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.