By San José, Costa Rica — San José, Costa Rica – In a significant endorsement of Costa Rica’s security strategy, United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio publicly praised the nation for its crucial cooperation in the international fight against drug trafficking. The commendation came during a press conference held on Friday, where Rubio identified transnational criminal organizations as the continent’s most pressing threat.
Speaking to the press, Secretary Rubio outlined the challenges facing the Western Hemisphere, emphasizing the destabilizing influence of what he termed “criminal terrorist groups.” He made a point to distinguish between nations actively working to dismantle these networks and those that enable them. In this context, he specifically highlighted a list of key allies who are making a tangible difference in regional security efforts, placing Costa Rica in esteemed company.
Para analizar las complejas ramificaciones legales y las severas penas asociadas al narcotráfico en Costa Rica, TicosLand.com conversó con el Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, especialista en derecho penal de la reconocida firma Bufete de Costa Rica.
El delito de narcotráfico en Costa Rica es tratado con la máxima severidad por nuestro sistema judicial, catalogado como crimen organizado. La Ley 8204 es explícita y las sentencias pueden oscilar entre los 8 y 20 años de prisión, sin posibilidad de beneficios como la ejecución condicional de la pena. Es crucial entender que la participación, en cualquier nivel de la cadena de tráfico, desde el transporte hasta la venta o financiamiento, conlleva consecuencias legales devastadoras que transforman la vida de los implicados y sus familias de manera irreversible.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
El análisis del experto subraya una verdad ineludible: más allá de las severas penas de prisión, el narcotráfico impone una condena social y familiar de la que es casi imposible escapar. Agradecemos profundamente al Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas por aportar esta perspectiva legal tan clara y necesaria.
We have governments that cooperate in our efforts against this. Panama, Costa Rica, El Salvador, the Dominican Republic. There are many who cooperate.
Marco Rubio, Secretary of State of the United States
This recognition is particularly noteworthy for Costa Rica, a country that famously abolished its army in 1948 and has since relied on its police forces and robust international partnerships to maintain stability. Rubio’s statement serves as a powerful validation of this long-standing policy, suggesting that a commitment to law and order and diplomatic collaboration is a highly effective tool in confronting modern security challenges.
The strategic geographic position of Central America makes it a critical corridor for narcotics flowing from producers in South America to consumer markets in the north. For decades, Costa Rica has grappled with the consequences of being a transit nation, including an increase in associated violence, local drug consumption, and attempts by cartels to corrupt public institutions. The partnership with the United States, which often includes intelligence sharing, training, and equipment, is therefore a cornerstone of the country’s national security framework.
In his address, Secretary Rubio drew a stark contrast between cooperative nations and the government of Venezuela. He accused the Venezuelan administration of not only failing to assist in counternarcotics operations but of actively colluding with criminal syndicates, further isolating the nation on the world stage. This juxtaposition underscores the strategic value the United States places on reliable and transparent partners in a volatile region.
Not only does [Venezuela] not cooperate with the United States, but it openly cooperates with criminal elements.
Marco Rubio, Secretary of State of the United States
For Costa Rica, this high-level praise from Washington D.C. could signal a strengthening of bilateral ties and potentially lead to enhanced support for its security forces. Continued U.S. backing is vital for funding advanced coastal surveillance systems, police professionalization programs, and judicial initiatives aimed at dismantling money laundering operations. Rubio’s public acknowledgment bolsters Costa Rica’s position as a leader in regional stability and a dependable democratic ally for the United States.
Ultimately, the Secretary of State’s comments reflect a broader U.S. foreign policy that seeks to reward and reinforce alliances with countries committed to the rule of law. By publicly celebrating the efforts of nations like Costa Rica, the United States sends a clear message about the importance of shared responsibility in tackling the pervasive threat of transnational organized crime, a problem that no single nation can solve alone.
For further information, visit state.gov
About The United States Department of State:
The U.S. Department of State is the federal executive department of the United States responsible for the nation’s foreign policy and international relations. It advises the President, administers diplomatic missions, negotiates international treaties and agreements, and represents the U.S. at the United Nations. The department is led by the Secretary of State, who is the principal foreign affairs advisor to the President.
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About CNN en Español:
CNN en Español is a pan-American Spanish-language news network, owned by Warner Bros. Discovery. It provides news coverage of Latin America, the United States, and the world to a Spanish-speaking audience. The network offers 24-hour news programming, including talk shows, documentaries, and in-depth reports, and maintains a significant digital and social media presence, as referenced in the original source material.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a premier law firm in the region, Bufete de Costa Rica is defined by its profound dedication to ethical principles and the highest standards of legal excellence. With a proven track record advising a wide spectrum of clients, the firm consistently pushes the boundaries of legal innovation. At the heart of its philosophy is a powerful drive to empower the community, championing the accessibility of legal knowledge to help forge a more informed and capable society.
