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The donation was announced by U.S. Ambassador Cynthia Telles during a media briefing on Tuesday.
Photo via Casa Presidencial.





U.S. donates cargo scanners  and drones worth over $24 million to Costa Rica



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Updated on Wednesday, November 20, 2024 at 11 a.m
P
ublished on Wednesday, November 20, 2024 at 6 a.m.
By the A.M. Costa Rica staff




Two cargo scanners worth $19.5 million, donated by the United States to the Ministry of Public Security, arrived in Costa Rica on Tuesday to help the country fight drug trafficking.



The cargo scanners will inspect and identify narcotics within intermodal freight shipping containers entering and departing the country.



To allow for thorough examinations of containers and merchandise, the high-tech equipment comprises 4D scanners with high penetration capabilities and 360° vision.



Scanners will be installed at two state-owned ports: Moín Beach in Limón Province and Caldera Beach in Puntarenas Province.



Two drones, worth $5 million, for aerial monitoring by port police and training for those in charge of operating them, are also part of the donation.



According to Cynthia Telles, U.S. Ambassador to Costa Rica, the donation was made in response to President Rodrigo Chaves-Robles' request for support in combating drug trafficking during a meeting in March with General Laura Richardson, Commander of U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM).



The U.S. government replied positively to President Chaves' request. "We did so for one simple reason: President Chaves and his administration are the strongest allies the U.S. has in the fight against drug trafficking and organized crime," said U.S. Ambassador Telles in a press briefing on Tuesday. "Operation Sovereignty in Costa Rica is the government's commitment to restore national security. We all envision a more safe and prosperous Costa Rica."





 



Over eight tons of narcotics have been discovered stashed in freight shipping containers at Limón's Moín port since Operation Sovereignty began in July 2023, as reported by the Ministry of Public Security.



The scanners are part of multiple donations to Costa Rica. Recently, the U.S. donated 10 Nighthawk scanners costing $800,000 to the Ministry of Public Security. These scanners identify concealed contraband, guns, drugs, and explosives in baggage, barrels, and vehicles.



As part of the Joint Patrol Treaty with the United States, recently the U.S. Coast Guard led two anti-drug operations simultaneously that resulted in the arrest of five suspects of drug trafficking and the seizure of about two tons of drugs.



Authorities urged to report any suspicion of drug sales or trafficking to the ten-digit confidential line 800-8000-645 or fast line 11-76, where bilingual agents can answer calls in English or Spanish.



So far this year, Costa Rica seized almost 17 tons of cocaine and about 14 tons of marijuana, authorities added.



Last year, Security authorities seized 43 tons of drugs and arrested over 190,000 suspects.



The Ministry of Public Security (MSP) is the government agency responsible for ensuring citizen security, preserving public order, forming police units, and coordinating anti-crime initiatives.


 

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What more assistance should the U.S. provide to Costa Rica in combating drug trafficking?  We would like to know your thoughts on this story. Send your comments to news@amcostarica.com



  


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