An officer of the Special Support Unit (UEA) of Costa Rica's Ministry of Public Security was arrested after being discovered with a cell phone and other electronic devices inside the La Reforma penitentiary complex, where he was supposed to carry out surveillance duties over Alejandro Arias Monge, alias "Diablo," one of the country's best-known alleged drug trafficking leaders.
The officer was identified as Maiker Guzmán Charpantier, who was also responsible for guarding Jonathan Pérez Méndez, alias "Tan," another alleged criminal ringleader held in the maximum security area.
The officer had gotten past the checkpoints where officers must leave their electronic items before entering the penitentiary facilities.
A cell phone, chargers, and other devices among his belongings
The authorities received information from another officer who alerted them to a possible irregularity, which prompted an inspection of Guzmán's belongings.
The search was carried out in an internal parking area used by the UEA's mobile units, within the penitentiary perimeter.
During the procedure, agents located a Huawei cell phone, a smartwatch of the same brand, a 20,000 mAh portable battery, a Kölbi phone chip, four USB type C cables, and two charging adapters.
When questioned, the officer claimed he had forgotten he was carrying the…
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An officer of the Special Support Unit (UEA) was arrested for bringing electronic devices into the maximum security area of La Reforma prison, in Costa Rica. / (Canal 1)An officer of the Special Support Unit (UEA) of Costa Rica's Ministry of Public Security was arrested after being discovered with a cell phone and other electronic devices inside the La Reforma penitentiary complex, where he was supposed to carry out surveillance duties over Alejandro Arias Monge, alias "Diablo," one of the country's best-known alleged drug trafficking leaders. The official was identified as Maiker Guzmán Charpantier, who was also responsible for guarding Jonathan Pérez Méndez, alias "Tan," another alleged criminal ringleader held in the maximum security area. The officer had passed the checkpoints where officials must leave their electronic items before entering the penitentiary facilities. The authorities received information from another official who alerted them to a possible irregularity, which prompted an inspection of Guzmán's belongings. The search was carried out in an internal parking lot used by the UEA's mobile units, within the penitentiary perimeter. During the procedure, agents located a Huawei cell phone, a smartwatch of the same brand, a 20,000 mAh portable battery, a Kölbi phone chip, four USB type C cables, and two charging adapters. When questioned, the officer claimed he had forgotten he was carrying the electronic devices, which is why he did not leave them in the lockers designated for storing personal belongings. However, his superior stated that all officers are aware of the restrictions on bringing communication devices in and that the official had previously denied carrying such items. Alejandro Arias Monge, alias "Diablo," remains held under strict security measures following his capture by Costa Rican authorities. / (Ministry of Justice and Peace)The police report JEF-1402-2026 states that at approximately 2:05 a.m. on Thursday, October 15, the Prosecutor's Office authorized the official's arrest and the seizure of the devices. The case was referred to the judicial authorities of Alajuela, where the suspect's eventual criminal responsibility will be determined. The document also mentions Article 257 quater of the Penal Code, related to the illicit introduction of communication devices into closed-regime penitentiary establishments. Although the circumstances raise suspicions about the destination of the devices, it has not been judicially confirmed that the cell phone was intended for alias "Diablo" or that the official had managed to deliver any device to him. The case remains under investigation by the Public Ministry, which must determine why the official brought the devices into a restricted penitentiary zone. Source: Public MinistryAnother aspect revealed is the detained officer's family connection to Eduardo Guzmán López, known as "Inca," a member of the Special Intervention Unit (UEI). Guzmán López served in security and advisory functions during the administration of former president Rodrigo Chaves Robles (2022-2026). While the father belongs to a unit attached to the Ministry of the Presidency, his son is part of the UEA of the Ministry of Public Security, a specialized body that assists in the surveillance of inmates considered highly dangerous. So far, no involvement of the father in the events under investigation has been reported. The arrest occurs while Alejandro Arias Monge remains held at the National Center for Specific Attention, known as Maximum Security, following his capture last July. Since then, the authorities have established special custody measures for "Diablo" and "Tan," with support from specialized police units. The incident raises new questions about the control mechanisms to prevent the entry of electronic devices into prisons, especially in sectors designated for persons under investigation for directing criminal organizations. For now, the investigation must determine whether there was merely a violation of entry controls or a possible intention to facilitate unauthorized communications within the penitentiary center.