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    General Laura Richardson, Commander of U.S. Southern Command and President Rodrigo Chaves-Robles at Casa Presidencial in San José. Photo via Casa Presidencial and Board of Port Administration and Economic Development of the Atlantic Coast of Costa Rica.
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Published on Monday, March 25,
2024
By
the A.M. Costa Rica staff
The United States intends to expand assistance for Costa Rica in its struggle to control all commercial exports and imports in ports, according to General Laura Richardson, Commander of U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM). During her meeting with President Rodrigo Chaves-Robles at the Casa Presidencial in San José on Friday, Richardson stated that the support will be in response to Chaves' request for additional resources in the country's ports. President Chaves' goal is for the government to have enough equipment to scan all shipments in the battle against drug trafficking. "I am working with the United States Department of State to develop a port strategy with Costa Rica, to assist President Chaves to scan all cargo shipments entering and leaving the country," Commander Richardson said.
In addition to the donation of scanners, the U.S. will invest more in the training of port officers, personnel in charge of managing the equipment, infrastructure improvements, and other equipment to combat the flow of narcotics and criminal activity in the ports, Richardson noted.
"Our effort to increase security for the people of Costa Rica is based on shared values and the common goal of having a more prosperous, safe and democratic country in the region," she stated.
This is Richardson's second visit to Costa Rica in less than a year. In August 2023, the Commander announced a $9.8 million donation to enhance the country's cyber defense capabilities.
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