Drug Kingpin Arrested in London After Wife's Social Media Blunder

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Luis Manuel Picado Grijalba, a 43-year-old drug kingpin, was arrested near London Bridge following revelations of his location from social media posts made by his wife. The couple was on vacation in the United Kingdom to celebrate the New Year when his wife, Estefania McDonald Rodriguez, shared pictures of their luxury travels, highlighting stops in Paris, Rome, Venice, and Japan.

Authorities from the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) were monitoring the couple's online activities when they noticed the posts, which inadvertently revealed Grijalba's whereabouts. The arrest took place on December 29, 2024, with the assistance of the UK's National Crime Agency, following an arrest warrant issued by Costa Rican authorities.

Grijalba, also known by the alias "Shock," is wanted by U.S. authorities for international drug trafficking related to cocaine exports from Costa Rica. According to Randall Zuniga, director of Costa Rica's Judicial Investigation Agency, Grijalba had survived two assassination attempts in Costa Rica prior to his arrest. He is presently contesting extradition to the United States, where he faces serious charges.

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