San Jose [TCRN] – Costa Rica Deputies approved the entry and stay of an armed gunship (USS Elrod) from the United States.
The vote was 34 votes for and 5 against, on Thursday, last day of sessions before mid summer vacations.
The boat will be allowed to remain in the country until July 12. The USS Elrod is 135 meters long, is armed, with a crew of 15 officers, 200 enlisted and under the authority of the National Guard, with two aircraft on-board (SH-60B helicopters).
Recently, the ship was involved in an operation that seized more than two thousand kilos of marijuana in a joint effort to control narco-traffic on the seas.
Several Members expressed doubts about the work done in Costa Rican waters by the joint patrol program, which has been in effect between Costa Rica and the United States for eleven years.
A few weeks ago parliament had approved the entry into the nearly fifty national armed ships of smaller size, but most carrying helicopters and personnel.
The Costa Rica News
San Jose Costa Rica
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