Published on Thursday, September 25, 2025
By the A.M. Costa Rica staff

Costa Rica is installing two new container scanners donated by the United States at its ports in Caldera Beach, Puntarenas, and Gastón Kogan in Moín Beach, Limón.

The strategy aims to strengthen port security and combat international drug trafficking, said the Ministry of Public Security (MSP) in its statement.

The donation, valued at $19.5 million, comes alongside Costa Rica’s $1.6 million investment in the infrastructure needed to install the scanners.

The new technology allows authorities to inspect container interiors and analyze cargo densities at export terminals. Officials say these upgrades, combined with tighter security measures, are designed to protect national sovereignty, safeguard port operations, and prevent illegal drugs from being smuggled inside legitimate shipments.

“We have big plans for the future,” said Jennifer Savage, Chargé d’Affaires at the U.S. Embassy, during the inauguration ceremony. “To complement this donation, our Embassy is acquiring two additional mobile scanners that can be deployed anywhere in Costa Rica.”

Savage emphasized the ongoing U.S. support for Costa Rica’s Ministry of Public Security in combating drug trafficking. “This is a comprehensive effort led by the Embassy, with the firm goal of blocking the flow of drugs into the country and ensuring the safety of both our nations,” she said.

Costa Rica currently deploys more than 300 police officers at its ports, conducting truck inspections, canine unit operations, drone surveillance, maritime patrols, and underwater searches, the Ministry noted.

The $19.5 million scanner donation is part of a broader U.S. commitment to supporting Costa Rica. Last year, the U.S. Embassy contributed approximately $1.8 million to refurbish one of the country’s largest Coast Guard patrol vessels.

In August, the embassy welcomed Jennifer Savage as its new Chargé d’Affaires, following the departure of Ambassador Dr. Cynthia A. Telles earlier this year.

Meanwhile, President Donald Trump has nominated Melinda Hildebrand, a Houston-based businesswoman and philanthropist, to serve as the next U.S. Ambassador to Costa Rica. The Senate Foreign Relations Committee has not yet announced a hearing date for her confirmation.

The Ministry of Public Security (MSP) oversees citizen security, public order, police training, and anti-crime initiatives in Costa Rica.

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How could the U.S. further assist Costa Rica in improving its police operations? We would like to know your thoughts on this story. Send your comments to news@amcostarica.com