Alleged Southern Caribbean drug cartel leader, Jordie Picado Grijalba, known as “Noni,” rented two properties in Limón to Costa Rica’s Ministry of Public Education (MEP). The rental agreements occurred between 2024 and 2025. These properties were subsequently utilized to house and operate the Villa del Mar 1 school. This revelation raises concerns about due diligence in vetting property rentals by government entities. Authorities are seeking to extradite Picado Grijalba. The situation highlights potential vulnerabilities in the process of securing locations for public institutions. Further investigation is underway to determine the extent of the cartel’s involvement and any potential impact on the school’s operations.