The Costa Rica News (TCRN) – Costa Rican authorities have seized a total of 44 tons of cocaine since May 2010, which reflects a strengthening of the fight against drugs according to officials.
Costa Rican Security Minister, Mario Zamora, told a press conference that the 44 tons of cocaine that have been seized is what counts in the government of President Laura Chinchilla, which ends next May.
The official said there is a “wrong” perception in the public that the drug phenomenon has exploded in recent years in Costa Rica.
“What has happened is that the intensification of police actions has become more visible to drug trafficking activities. We’ve exposed the scourge to society,” he said.
So far in 2013 cocaine seizures have totaled about 18 tons and presented special cases like finding a ton in a plane and numerous heliports in the Caribbean.
The minister stressed that the fight against drugs has strengthened this year with the opening of three Coast Guard bases in the Caribbean and by adding thirty boats to that unit, along with the purchase of two helicopters and 200 vehicles for the police force.
Another point that the minister made was the reduction in the homicide rate in 2012, which was only 8.6 per 100,000 inhabitants, and although he declined to give an estimate for 2013, he said was confident that a lower number has been achieved.
In 2011 this rate stood at 11.6 people per 100,000 inhabitants. (EFE)
The Costa Rica News (TCRN)
San Jose Costa Rica
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