London Authorities Arrest Cartel Leader After Wife’s Online Posts Expose Location

A suspected drug cartel leader wanted by U.S. authorities was arrested in London after investigators tracked his movements through social media posts made by his wife. Luis Grijalba, accused of coordinating cocaine shipments from Costa Rica, was detained near London Bridge following a collaborative effort between U.S. and British law enforcement.

Grijalba’s wife, Estefania McDonald Rodriguez, unknowingly played a key role in his capture by sharing photos of their global travels. Posts featuring the couple in front of famous landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower and Rome’s Trevi Fountain provided authorities with the evidence needed to locate him.

Rodriguez frequently posted updates to her social media accounts, drawing attention from investigators who had been monitoring their movements for months. Despite efforts to evade law enforcement, her online activity created a digital trail leading directly to their whereabouts.

The fugitive had managed to avoid capture in Costa Rica due to the country’s legal restrictions on extradition. However, once he traveled abroad for a holiday celebration, authorities saw an opportunity to detain him. British officials apprehended Grijalba shortly after his arrival in the city.

Grijalba, known by the alias “Shock,” has a history of surviving violent encounters, including assassination attempts in Costa Rica. His alleged involvement in criminal activity in the port city of Limon has contributed to rising violence in the region.

Extradition proceedings are currently underway. Authorities in Costa Rica confirmed that Grijalba had previously evaded multiple court summons and remained a target of international law enforcement agencies.