Social Media Posts Lead to Arrest of Alleged Drug Kingpin on European Vacation

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Luis Manuel Picado Grijalba, a suspected Central American drug kingpin known as "Shock," was apprehended while vacationing in Europe thanks to social media activity from his wife. Authorities had been monitoring Grijalba, 43, due to his alleged involvement in cocaine trafficking from Limón, Costa Rica, to the United States.

His wife, Estefania McDonald Rodriguez, documented their lavish trip via Instagram, revealing their locations in tourist hotspots like Paris and Rome. The posts became critical evidence, enabling law enforcement to track their movements effectively. Once Grijalba's location was established, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) obtained a warrant for his arrest in the UK, bypassing the complex extradition laws that would have applied if he were captured in Costa Rica.

After spending approximately $20,000 on tickets to bring his family to Europe for the New Year, Grijalba's holiday was abruptly interrupted at a London airport, where he was taken into custody. He is now facing a possible extradition to the United States, where he is likely to confront serious drug trafficking charges. Costa Rica’s Attorney General remarked on the importance of Grijalba's arrest, although they currently lack charges against him domestically.

Grijalba remains in custody as legal proceedings regarding his extradition unfold. Meanwhile, his wife has deleted her social media profiles.

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