No menu items!

COSTA RICA'S LEADING ENGLISH LANGUAGE NEWSPAPER

HomeTopicsCrimeNew public security minister expresses continued support for joint U.S.-Costa Rican patrols

New public security minister expresses continued support for joint U.S.-Costa Rican patrols

Costa Rica’s new public security minister, Celso Gamboa, reiterated his support for joint maritime patrols with the United States, in a press conference announcing his team of vice ministers on Monday.

“One of my principal recommendations to President Luis Guillermo Solís has been to maintain these patrols, because they have demonstrated that they are serious, they work, and [the U.S.] has shown strict respect for Costa Rican sovereignty,” the minister said.

“Costa Rica decided to sign these agreements because they’ve been very valid and effective in shielding the country from the effects of [criminal] groups,” Gamboa added.

Gamboa, who was vice minister of public security in former President Laura Chinchilla’s government, has been a vocal supporter of the patrols and cooperation with the United States. Former Public Security Minister Mario Zamora credited the joint operations with helping the Chinchilla administration seize nearly 54 metric tons of cocaine during her term, reportedly more than any other Central American country.

The U.S. and Costa Rica signed joint maritime patrols for illegal fishing, anti-drug and search and rescue operations in 1999.

Gamboa said the drug trafficking conflict is not bounded by national borders, and he noted the importance of sharing information between Central American nations. He also called for better coordination across the isthmus on criminal drug charges.

The new public security minister emphasized his plans to focus on prevention. Gamboa named María Fulmen as a vice minister tasked with overseeing prevention programs and community outreach, as well as improving training and facilities of the National Police.

The minister named Gustavo Mata, former assistant director of the Judicial Investigation Police, as another vice minister tasked with operations.

Bernardita Marín was named vice minister for administrative affairs.

Gamboa also announced the first drug seizure of the Solís administration: 307 kilograms of cocaine found in Limón in a container originating in Colombia.

Solís took office May 8.

Trending Now

Hondurans March to Mark 2009 Coup as Election Battle Heats Up

Thousands of government supporters marched Saturday in the capital of Honduras to commemorate the anniversary of the 2009 coup that ousted then-leftist President Manuel...

Costa Rica to Launch Electric Air Taxis for Sustainable Travel in Guanacaste

Costa Rica is poised to revolutionize its transportation landscape with the introduction of electric air taxis, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional ground travel...

Costa Rica Joins U.S. Global Entry, Easing Travel for Tourists

Costa Rica took a big step forward, by officially joining the U.S. Global Entry program, a move set to make travel smoother for Costa...

Costa Rica’s Top Court Bans President Chaves from 2026 Election Campaign

Costa Rica’s Supreme Electoral Tribunal on Thursday barred President Rodrigo Chaves from participating in the 2026 election campaign, ruling that he "illegitimately used" his...

Costa Rica Hunts for Nicaraguan Hit Squad After Exile’s Assassination

Costa Rica’s Judicial Investigation Agency (OIJ) is investigating whether a hit squad tied to Nicaragua’s Ortega-Murillo regime is targeting exiled critics on its soil....

El Salvador Slams Paris Fashion Show Inspired by Cecot Mega-Prison Inmates

The president of El Salvador, Nayib Bukele, joked on Saturday that he could send inmates from his mega-prison to France, after they were represented...
spot_img
Costa Rica Tours
Costa Rica Coffee Maker Chorreador
Costa Rica Coffee Maker Chorreador
Costa Rica Travel Insurance
Costa Rica Rocking Chait
Costa Rica Travel

Latest News from Costa Rica