Herald José Ruiz Vargas
Herald José Ruiz Vargas, alias Guato, is a 33-year-old Costa Rican national and a suspected leader of a drug trafficking organization based in Valle la Estrella. Recently apprehended by the Organismo de Investigación Judicial (OIJ) in Limón, he had been on the run since October 2024, following a major police operation aimed at dismantling his criminal network. Guato is linked to numerous violent crimes, including at least one murder, and has a prior conviction for homicide, with an outstanding sentence of 14 years. His capture came during a high-risk operation in a remote mountainous area, where he was found in possession of firearms and drugs.
Not in the pool (under ¢1).
Recent news mentions
Herald José Ruiz Vargas, known as Guato, is the alleged leader of a criminal organization in Valle La Estrella.
Juzgado dictó medida cautelar contra alias Guato y su pareja
Costa Rica· 2026-07-11
Herald José Ruiz Vargas, alias Guato, is identified as the alleged leader of a criminal organization involved in drug trafficking and other crimes.
Campamento donde Guato y su pareja se escondían contaba con Internet y paneles solaresCosta Rica· 2026-07-11
Herald José Ruiz Vargas, alias Guato, was captured after being on the run for several days.
Guato saltó por una ventana en su intento de fuga: Así fue la captura del presunto socio de Diablo y Pecho de Rata en Valle La EstrellaCosta Rica· 2026-07-10Herald José Ruiz Vargas, alias Guato, attempted to assume full responsibility for the seized weapons, money, and drugs during the operation that led to his capture.
‘Él me tenía amenazada’, aseguró ante Fiscalía esposa de alias Guato, detenida junto a presunto cabecilla narcoCosta Rica· 2026-07-10
Herald José Ruiz Vargas, alias Guato, is the alleged leader of a drug organization involved in a plot to assassinate a prosecutor.
Banda de Guato habría ideado plan para asesinar a fiscalCosta Rica· 2026-07-10
Herald José Ruiz Vargas, alias Guato, was detained for being a presumed leader of a drug trafficking organization.
Guato, uno de los principales aliados de Diablo, cae en LimónCosta Rica· 2026-07-09
