The USA Gives 10 High-Tech Scanners To Costa Rica To Combat Crime
The United States donated nearly $14 million worth of security equipment to Costa Rica in a bid to stamp out crime in the Central American country, Costa Rican President Rodrigo Chaves said.
The donation includes telecommunications equipment, drones and maintenance equipment for police planes to aid security forces in border control. Chaves said “above all else, in the fight against international criminal gangs.”
The Costa Rican government announced that part of the donation will be allocated to the borders at Tablillas, Peñas Blancas, and Paso Canoas, as well as to other ports and customs offices. All vehicles, boats, and aircraft will undergo inspections.
The donation event took place at Base 2 of Juan Santamaría Airport, with the participation of President Rodrigo Chaves, the head of the party and official deputy Pilar Cisneros, Minister of Security Mario Zamora and U.S. Ambassador Cynthia Telles.
Ambassador Telles emphasized that the United States is committed to helping Costa Rica address its security crisis. “This donation is a first step, valued at $800,000 and is another example of our commitment to strengthening ties between our countries. We are eager to work hand in hand to resolve this crisis in Costa Rica,” she said.
Telles mentioned that the USA’s government plans to make additional donations of $17 million worth of equipment for the ports of Japdeva and Caldera expected to arrive.
“What’s happening is challenging, but we are determined to improve citizen security. We have trained over a dozen members of the Coast Guard. Air Surveillance, Border Police and other police forces, which will allow them to detect contraband hidden in land, air and sea vehicles. These scanners are portable, they can be rapidly deployed anywhere in the country to combat drug trafficking,” Telles added.
Minister of Security Mario Zamora expressed his gratitude to the United States, that this donation will allow them to conduct operations more effectively and enhancing their ability to combat crime.
The scanners will also be utilized in surprise law enforcement operations by the Police Force.
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