Costa Rica and the United States have renewed their agreement to share radar, sensor, and aerial tracking data aimed at strengthening efforts against drug trafficking and transnational organized crime, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced this month.

The agreement was signed at the Foreign Ministry in San José by Michael “Mike” Flores, currently serving as Chargé d’Affaires at the U.S. Mission to Costa Rica, and Costa Rica’s Foreign Minister Arnoldo André.

Under the accord, both countries will continue to enhance their monitoring of air, maritime, and land spaces through the Cooperative Information Integration System (CSII), a platform jointly maintained by Costa Rica and the United States.

“This agreement allows the exchange of data between participating nations and regional allies, including radar, sensor, and aerial tracking information,” Foreign Minister André said. “It represents a key step in the joint fight against transnational organized crime and drug trafficking.”

According to the ministry, the pact also covers cooperation in emergencies caused by natural disasters, search-and-rescue operations, and broader humanitarian assistance.

Officials emphasized that the agreement does not create legal rights or impose binding obligations. It also contains safeguards ensuring that shared data cannot be used to harm or threaten civilian aircraft.

“These measures strengthen cooperation between Costa Rica and the United States, which also maintains a Joint Patrol Treaty that has enabled successful anti-narcotics operations,” the ministry noted.

That treaty allows for joint maritime patrols to intercept suspected drug traffickers and seize narcotics. In one of the most recent operations, conducted in June, the U.S. Coast Guard led two missions in Costa Rican waters, resulting in the arrest of three suspected traffickers and the seizure of more than 1.6 tons of narcotics along with a shipment of firearms.

In a related development, U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem recently met with Costa Rican President Rodrigo Chaves-Robles and other senior officials to bolster bilateral cooperation on border security, illegal migration, and transnational crime.

Michael Flores continues to serve as the Chargé d’Affaires at the U.S. Mission in San José. Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump has nominated Melinda Hildebrand, a Houston-based businesswoman and philanthropist, to be the next U.S. ambassador to Costa Rica. The Senate Foreign Relations Committee has not yet released details on hearings for her nomination.

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