Although this is news in Costa Rica you have to wonder if the same thing is going on in the USA.
I. The Revelation:
Mexican daily, El Universal, unveiled that the government led by Costa Rican President Rodrigo Chaves purportedly initiated negotiations with Costa Rican mafia networks associated with powerful Mexican cartels, including the notorious Sinaloa and Jalisco Nueva Generación.
II. Methodical Unveiling:
After months of investigative endeavors delving deep into privileged Costa Rican sources, El Universal unmasked this unsettling information. These anonymous sources claim that Costa Rican counterparts were subtly requested to mitigate rising street violence while subtly showcasing security lapses, in exchange for a smooth continuation of their illicit drug trafficking ventures.
III. The Deepening Crisis:
The report emphasizes a worrying panorama where the nation is gripped by a security crisis due to the penetration of Mexican cartels, leading to a spike in murders and a progressive decline in overall security.
IV. Who Were The Negotiators?:
The contacts with drug traffickers were allegedly executed by pivotal figures within Costa Rica’s security structures, with some holding government positions under the Chaves administration.
V. The Timing:
These precarious negotiations are said to have taken place approximately a year ago.
VI. Official Denials:
The Costa Rican Minister of Security, Mario Zamora, categorically denied any agreement, stating, “That’s a crime in Costa Rica. We would prosecute anyone partaking in such scenarios.”
VII. Minister’s Suspicions:
Post-publication, Zamora tagged the report “suspicious”, insinuating it casts unwarranted doubts over the country’s leadership’s integrity. He is poised to file a complaint to explore the truth behind these claims.
VIII. Presidential Refutation:
The Chaves Robles Administration also vehemently denied the allegations, reiterating there were neither negotiations nor agreements with any criminal entities.
IX. The Reaction:
Former Costa Rican President, Laura Chinchilla, expressed her concerns, urging the judiciary, lawmakers, media, and citizens to respond seriously.
X. The Current Scenario:
Despite the alleged negotiations, Costa Rica faces a daunting reality with homicides on the rise, expected to touch 900 by year-end, with drug trafficking being the major contributor to these violent deaths.
XI. The Judiciary’s Stance:
Regarding the alleged agreement, anonymous sources from the Judicial Investigation Organization (OIJ) assured that the institution would never endorse a pact with criminals. The report also mentions that a government figure chose to distance themselves from any mafia links to avoid getting implicated.
The news has sent shockwaves across the region, adding a layer of complexity to the already tense scenario in Costa Rica. The revelation, if proven true, could have significant implications for the country’s internal security and its international standing.
