Costa Rica is expanding cooperation with the United States Drug Enforcement Administration to investigate suspected drug traffickers who allegedly hide behind legitimate businesses and professional careers, including people with political connections. Attorney General Carlo Diaz said the next phase will focus on individuals who, investigators believe, have avoided the attention usually aimed at organized crime leaders while maintaining direct links to the drug trade. Diaz outlined the strategy during an interview published shortly after Costa Rica’s Supreme Court unanimously reelected him for another four-year term. The prosecutor said the effort is aimed at what investigators call invisible drug traffickers. They may appear to be successful business owners, respected professionals, or influential political figures, while allegedly helping criminal organizations move money, build connections, or avoid detection. Costa Rica’s earlier cooperation with the DEA concentrated on identifying and arresting leaders of criminal organizations, including people wanted by US authorities. Diaz said this work has already produced high-profile arrests and extraditions. Under constitutional changes allowing the extradition of nationals to face certain criminal charges, Costa Rica has extradited six of its citizens to the United States. Diaz said 25 more extradition proceedings are underway. Among those extradited were former magistrate and security minister Celso Gamboa, and Edwin Lopez Vega, known as Pecho de Rata, identified by investigators as a major figure in an international drug-trafficking network. Diaz said the new phase is expected to reach people who allegedly helped organizations operate while maintaining the appearance of legitimate political or business activity. One case drawing attention involves businessman Guobin Tam Zhang, also known as Juan Carlos Tam, who was arrested earlier this month after an investigation involving Costa Rican authorities and the DEA. Diaz said investigators are expected to follow evidence regardless of whether suspects hold prominent roles. The investigation is ongoing, with extraditions already underway and a new joint phase set to target alleged “invisible” traffickers.