Costa Rica: Drug Trafficking Blamed for the Country's Soaring Homicide Rate

The homicide rate in Costa Rica has been increasing, and authorities blame it on the growth of drug trafficking in the country.

Costa Rica was previously considered one of the most peaceful countries in Latin America, as there were few conflicts and had a relatively low crime rate.

This rise in homicide rate can particularly be seen in the port region of Limon, which is usually one of the country's most visited areas by tourists as it is usually where cruise ships dock and their passengers experience a jungle adventure.

According to the Associated Press, the country recorded 657 homicides last year, and Limon has a homicide rate five times the national average.

The city was considered the epicenter of the bloodshed in Costa Rica, which is one of the most laid-back countries in Latin America that lacks a standing army. This latest wave of violence has sparked a public outcry as President Rodrigo Chaves scrambles for answers.

According to Martín Arias, the deputy security minister and head of Costa Rica's Coast Guard, the violence stems from disputes by drug traffickers vying for the control of cocaine shipped to Europe and the marijuana sold locally.

While the country had only been a pass-through point between Colombian and Mexican cartels, these drug organizations now use the country as a warehousing and transshipment point.

Previously, these foreign drug traffickers paid Costa Rican fishermen to bring gasoline to their smuggling boats. But now, the fishermen and their associates are smuggling cocaine out of the port after they realize how expensive the drug was worth in Europe.

Costa Rica Experienced a 66% Rise in Homicide Rate

The disputes between these drug gangs have usually been confined to marginal neighborhoods or coastal regions. Now, they have spilled all over the seemingly-peaceful country, which is now at odds with its reputation as one of the most peaceful countries in the world.

According to El Pais, poverty and inequality have increased in Costa Rica, while police have suffered various budget cuts. In addition to the growing influence of international drug syndicates, this has resulted in rising homicide rates.

The 2022 murder report has shown the highest homicide rate in the country, with a record of 12.6 murders per 100,000 inhabitants.

It is 66.5% higher than in 2012, but these numbers may exceed this year as the homicides in the first three months of 2023 have already surpassed 2022's numbers by 30%.

Costa Rica's Role in the International Drug Trade

The U.S. Department of State released its International Narcotics Control Strategy Report, analyzing Costa Rica's drug problem.

It revealed that "Costa Rica remains the top transshipment point for cocaine en route to the United States from South America and is a key transit point in international narcotics trafficking."

The Tico Times reported that Costa Rica's historically small and underfunded security has helped aggravate the problem, coupled with an increase in the country's drug consumption that made things worse as drug gangs also enter the local market and gain influence.

The country has been trying to beef up its security forces with the help of the United States. Both countries engaged in numerous police professionalization efforts, which include "leadership training, improvements to training facilities, expanded canine programs, and better cooperation between national and local authorities."

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Rick Martin

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