QCOSTARICA — Faced with questions about the possible presence of a narco-state, 38 legislators from opposition parties approved last Thursday the motion to investigate alleged links between the Chaves government and drug trafficking.
In response, the government, along with the Minister of Security, Mario Zamora, and several members of the police force, appeared in a video where they claim to have the capacity to protect the country and combat insecurity.
Diputados: ¡Respeten Nuestro Uniforme! pic.twitter.com/grntSBxjMI
— Seguridad Pública (@seguridadcrc) October 12, 2024
Along the same lines, the United States Embassy in San José (Costa Rica) expressed its support and backing for the Ministry of Security and stressed that they have been constant partners in the fight against drug trafficking. In addition, it pointed to the country as a key partner in this mission.
“The United States Embassy is collaborating closely with the government of Costa Rica, supporting its absolute commitment in the fight against organized crime. Costa Rica is our great ally in the region and we will continue working shoulder to shoulder in this effort that should unite us all,” said Cintya Telles, United States ambassador to Costa Rica.
Zamora stressed the support that the Chaves government is receiving from the ambassador.
“What is heard and seen is not questioned, you have already heard the United States ambassador herself giving a well-deserved vote of confidence to the Costa Rican government in the daily fight against drug trafficking. Believe those who look you in the eye and tell you the truth,” the minister concluded.
Reafirmamos nuestro apoyo al gobierno de Costa Rica, para seguir protegiendo este hermoso país. #UnidosProtegemos 🇺🇸🇨🇷 pic.twitter.com/VZnPyxMDbx
— Cynthia Telles (@usambassadorcr) October 11, 2024
Political figures, such as former president Laura Chinchilla, have spoken out against the video. For the former president it is “a pitiful staging.”
Circula un video con una penosa puesta en escena de los jefes de los cuerpos de seguridad del país dirigiéndose en un tono desmesurado a nuestros congresistas por haber hecho uso de su derecho constitucional al control político.
El ministro actual emula el vulgar desplante que…
— Laura Chinchilla M. (@Laura_Ch) October 12, 2024
On the other hand, these videos and the motion were presented in a context where the government has been strongly questioned for its actions on issues such as the transfer of the National Coast Guard Service from Quepos to Pococí and in matters of security.
Even international media such as Euronews and the New York Times have pointed to Costa Rica as a magnet for drug trafficking.