The United States has earmarked funds to fortify Costa Rica’s maritime defense. This move underscores the commitment of both nations to combat organized crime and safeguard maritime borders.
Embassy’s Initiative in Moín, Limón
The U.S. Embassy in Costa Rica has announced a donation of $4.5 million for the construction of a new coast guard station and dock in Moín, Limón province. This venture is a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Public Security and the Board of Port Administration and Economic Development of the Atlantic Slope (JAPDEVA).
U.S. Ambassador to Costa Rica, Cynthia Telles, emphasized the importance of this project, stating its critical role in bolstering Costa Rica’s maritime defense against organized crime, particularly narcotrafficking.
Project Details and Further Assistance
JAPDEVA has granted the land use permit essential for this initiative. While the U.S. shoulders the construction costs, the Ministry of Public Security is set to acquire an 85-foot vessel. This enhancement aims to intensify efforts against organized crime in Limón, as acknowledged by Minister of Security, Mario Zamora.
Expected to be fully operational by 2026, this station boasts of a strategic location. It lies between Costa Rica’s two major export ports, facilitating surveillance, rapid vessel deployment, and monitoring of suspicious maritime activities, as highlighted by Commissioner Martín Arias, the head of the Costa Rican National Coast Guard Service (SNGCR).
U.S.-Costa Rica Naval Collaboration
The longstanding naval cooperation between the U.S. and Costa Rica mirrors their joint endeavor for justice, rule of law, and democracy preservation. Costa Rica has reaped the benefits of this partnership through training, equipment, and collaborative operations, as noted by Commissioner Arias.
Recent maritime interdiction operations, aided by U.S. entities, have resulted in significant narcotics seizures. In one such operation, the SNGCR, in tandem with the Judicial Investigation Agency (OIJ) and U.S. support, intercepted a drug-laden boat off the coast of Cabo Matapalo, Puntarenas province. Another operation with U.S. and Colombian aerial aid yielded a 2.5-ton marijuana seizure from a Nicaraguan-manned speedboat.
With these continued efforts, Costa Rica’s stance against organized crime grows stronger, a testament to the collaborative dedication of both nations.
