The U.S. Eyes on Costa Rica’s Drug Scene
Under a memo released by President Joe Biden, Costa Rica, often hailed for its biodiversity and pacifism, has been tagged as a significant player in drug production and trafficking. And it’s not alone! Alongside, Bolivia, Colombia, Venezuela, and Mexico find their names etched in this unfavorable list.
The Notorious Drug Trafficking List: 23 Countries, 17 from America!
This list, crafted from the White House’s latest insights, brings together 23 nations, with a startling 17 from the American continent alone. Ranging from Afghanistan to Venezuela, these nations, however, are not necessarily being critiqued for their antidrug efforts but primarily due to their geographical and economic conditions, which seem to favor drug transit or production.
Costa Rica’s Drug History with the U.S.
The pristine nation has found itself on this radar since 2010. Fast-forwarding a bit, by 2011, then-President Barack Obama noted a whopping 90% of the 700 tons of drugs entering the U.S. routed through Central America.
The 2023 U.S. Narcotics Control Strategy Report Raises Eyebrows
Released this past March, the report shed light on Costa Rica’s critical role as the cocaine transit point from South America to the U.S. This revelation comes at a tumultuous time, as various police units within Costa Rica decry a weakening stance against narcotics. The crux of their argument? The decision to reallocate drug control duties from specialized units to others, including the Air Surveillance Service.
The Local Controversy: Shuffling Responsibilities
While officers argue that reallocating these roles only benefits certain parties, Costa Rica’s Public Security stresses the importance of letting drug officers focus on cases’ legal aspects. Mario Zamora, the head of this department, advocates for a separation: “Investigative police should investigate, and surveillance police should watch.”
China’s Role: The Fentanyl Crisis
In a pivotal move, U.S. legislation now tags countries that produce raw materials for illicit drug manufacturing. China, for instance, has emerged as the leading producer of precursors for the lethal opioid, fentanyl, which is smuggled into the U.S. via Central America.
The U.S. Continues Its Anti-Drug Collaboration
The U.S. remains committed to its South American allies, aiming to diminish coca cultivation and cocaine production. Notably, Colombia, historically a staunch U.S. partner against drugs, sees coca production at an all-time high.
The Ripple Effects: Violence and Crime Rates Soar in Costa Rica
This easy availability has led to a price drop in cocaine, luring many into its trafficking and trade. Consequently, Costa Rica witnesses a surge in violence, with the murder rate for 2023 predicted to break previous records.
