Q COSTA RICA — In the fight against drug trafficking, it’s clear that Costa Ricans want a firm hand.
In fact, 96% of those surveyed by the firm Opol Consultores believe that laws against organized crime should be strengthened, while 2.3% responded that they should not. The remaining 1.7% did not know or did not answer the question.
The response should come as no surprise, since insecurity, associated with the struggle between drug traffickers for territory, has long been Costa Rica’s main problem, worsened in the last four years, when the country has registered record numbers of homicides, with a peak of 903 in 2023.
In that regard, 51.4% of those surveyed indicated that they feel just as safe as a year ago, while 27.4% stated that they feel safer. On the other hand, 20.6% reported feeling less safe compared to a year ago.
The survey, conducted nationwide between August 12 and 16, included 1,200 interviews with Costa Ricans over the age of 18, with a margin of error of +/- 2.8% and a 95% confidence level.
Furthermore, in addition to launching the special security group Fuerza Élite (Elite Force) to analyze criminal activity, President Laura Fernández has presented a second package of legislative proposals to combat drug trafficking and organized crime.
Among the initiatives are the elimination of the preliminary hearing to expedite trials, as well as the inclusion of new offenses that would allow for the extradition of Costa Ricans, such as international drug trafficking, contract killings, cybercrimes, and human trafficking.
An initiative was also presented to establish a prison sentence of up to 10 years for anyone who exploits, promotes, or finances illegal mining, in addition to allowing the confiscation of the machinery.
“We will not stop in the national crusade against organized crime, we will not stop in the all-out war against drug trafficking, and we will not waver in denouncing everything that prevents Costa Rican families from living in an environment of peace,” the president stated.