Q COSTARICA — As part of the Shield of the Americas agreement, signed by Costa Rica with the United States in early March, DEA and FBI agents will be permanently stationed in the country.
The objective is to combat drug trafficking, organized crime, and terrorism, thereby strengthening the joint response.
According to the U.S. Embassy, the contingent is comprised of specialized agents, technical personnel, and administrative staff. The group will operate from the embassy headquarters in Pavas, San José, as reported by Canal Opa.
Claire Thomas, press officer, explained that the teams will be supported by advanced counter-narcotics technology. These tools will enhance investigative and intelligence capabilities within the country.
The actions will focus on information sharing, technical support, and the execution of joint operations with Costa Rican authorities. The goal is to directly impact criminal organizations operating in the region.
In the first four months of the year, drug seizures in Costa Rica have skyrocketed, with cocaine being the primary target.
Figures from the Ministerio de Seguridad Pública (Ministry of Public Security) as of April 15th highlight that cocaine seizures jumped from 3,096 kilograms during the same period in 2015 to 15,290 kilograms in 2026. This represents a 291% increase.
However, the most positive news is that the increase in seizures has also been reflected in a reduction in homicides.
As of last Friday, a total of 62 fewer murders had been reported compared to the same period last year, representing a 23% decrease. Depending on how crime rates continue, the country could see between 693 and 765 homicides in 2026, according to Michael Soto, interim director of the Organismo de Inevestigación Judicial (OIJ).
The figure would be the lowest for the entire administration of Rodrigo Chaves, who has been posting record figures in this matter since 2023, when 905 homicides were counted, 876 in 2024, and 873 last year.