Q COSTARICA — Costa Rica has given the green light for up to 195 U.S. Coast Guard ships and boats to access the country’s ports next year as part of joint efforts to combat drug trafficking.
The approval, granted last Wednesday by the Legislative Assembly, with 38 votes in favor and five against, covers operations from January 1 to December 31, 2026.
The decision is based on a 1999 bilateral agreement between Costa Rica and the United States that allows for shared maritime patrols. Under this agreement, U.S. ships can dock, remain in port, and allow crew members to disembark at facilities on both the Pacific and Caribbean coasts.
Their primary role will be to support the Servicio Nacional de Guardacostas Costa Rica (Costa Rican National Coast Guard Service) in intercepting drug shipments within the exclusive economic zone and adjacent waters.
In total, the vessels will deploy 1,092 officers, 6,341 enlisted personnel, and 153 scientific officers. Officials from the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Public Security submitted the request on December 15, emphasizing the need to maintain collaboration to dismantle drug trafficking networks that use maritime routes.
The five dissenting votes came from the Frente Amplio party, with party leader Rocío Alfaro Molina expressing concerns during the debate, noting that many vessels carry heavy weaponry. She cited reports of 25 ship sinkings and 95 deaths in the region attributed to U.S. forces, characterizing them as extrajudicial actions that do not comply with international or national law.
Supporters, including members of other parties, argued that the alliance strengthens Costa Rica’s defense against organized crime without compromising its sovereignty.
Data from the U.S. Embassy in Costa Rica demonstrates the value of this cooperation: as of October 31 of this year, joint efforts had led to the seizure of 19 vessels suspected of smuggling, the arrest of 59 people, and the confiscation of 26,066 kilograms of cocaine and 27,358 pounds of marijuana.
This approval marks a new step in the long-standing partnership, as Costa Rica lacks a navy and relies on international assistance to patrol its extensive coastline.
Costa Rica authorities note that the agreement helps prevent drugs from reaching local communities and international markets.