Former WBA Champion Bryan “El Tiquito” Vásquez Arrested In Costa Rica On Drug-Transport Charges; Released With Precautionary Measures!
(June 9th) San Jose, Costa Rica, former WBA super featherweight world champion Bryan “El Tiquito” Vásquez was released under court-imposed precautionary measures Monday following his detention during a police operation conducted on Route 32 in San Isidro de Heredia, Costa Rica. Authorities are investigating the former world titleholder on suspicion of drug transportation and money-laundering-related offenses.
According to Costa Rica's Ministry of Public Security (MSP), Vásquez was stopped by officers of the Fuerza Pública during an early-morning operation near the Route 32 toll plaza at approximately 1:00 a.m. on June 7. Police reported the seizure of approximately 72.9 grams of suspected marijuana and more than ₡1.3 million Costa Rican colones in cash from the vehicle. A second individual, identified by the surname Cascante, was also detained during the operation.
The Heredia Prosecutor's Office subsequently requested pretrial detention, citing an ongoing investigation into alleged drug transportation and possible money laundering. Following a hearing on June 8, however, a judge ordered Vásquez released under precautionary measures. Those conditions require him to report to authorities every 15 days, maintain a fixed residence, and remain in Costa Rica while the investigation continues.
Outside the Heredia courthouse, Vásquez's wife, former multi-division world champion Hanna Gabriels, described the situation as a misunderstanding and expressed relief that her husband had been allowed to return home while the legal process proceeds. Gabriels attended the hearing in support of Vásquez, with whom she shares both a family and a longstanding boxing partnership.
One of the most accomplished fighters in Costa Rican boxing history, Vásquez compiled a professional record of 37 victories against four defeats and 21 knockouts. The San José native captured the interim WBA super featherweight title in 2011 and later held versions of the WBA world championship at 130 pounds. Throughout a career spanning nearly two decades, he faced several notable opponents, including Takashi Uchiyama and Félix Verdejo, establishing himself as one of Costa Rica's most recognizable male boxing champions.
The case has attracted significant attention throughout the boxing community due to Vásquez's stature as a former world champion and Gabriels' prominence as one of the most decorated female fighters in Latin American boxing history.
As of June 9, no formal conviction has been issued, and the investigation remains ongoing. Under Costa Rican law, Vásquez is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.