Costa Rica’s tranquil tropical tourist paradise has been invaded by Colombian narcotraffickers, motorcycle assassins and guerrillas, as crackdowns in the region send organized crime fleeing for more friendly waters.
“They are displacing the drug cartels of Central America and Costa Rica is the most vulnerable country because there has never been very aggressive delinquency, thus they have a paradise to do their business,” Costa Rica’s attorney general, Francisco Dall Anese, told Caracol Radio.
Dall said he has formally requested training assistance from his Colombian counterpart, Mario Iguarán, as Costa Rica has now experience in protecting victims, witnesses and dignitaries, and in bringing cases against organized crime.
While the FARC has a presence in the popular traveler’s destination, it is down compared to to recent years. Narcotrafficking activity, however, is on the rise. Costa Rica captured three tons of cocaine in 2005 and more than 70 in the last 18 months, the attorney general said.