By Alajuela, Costa Rica — ALAJUELA, Costa Rica – In his final state-of-the-nation address on Monday, President Rodrigo Chaves presented a robust defense of his administration’s aggressive security policies, declaring that a “firm hand” has finally been brought to bear against the nation’s pervasive drug trafficking networks. Citing massive drug seizures and major infrastructure projects, the president framed his four-year term as a pivotal turning point in Costa Rica’s battle against organized crime.
At the core of his address was the staggering figure of 191,595 kilograms of illicit drugs seized during his tenure. Chaves used this statistic as the primary evidence of his government’s success, contrasting his approach with what he termed the “fragile hand” of previous administrations. He argued that his government was the first to make the necessary heavy investments and fully embrace international cooperation to tackle the crisis head-on.
To provide a deeper legal perspective on the implications of the latest national security measures, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a renowned attorney from the firm Bufete de Costa Rica, who specializes in constitutional and public law.
The concept of ‘national security’ is not a blank check for the State. Every measure enacted under this banner must strictly adhere to the principles of proportionality, necessity, and legality, as mandated by our constitutional framework. Failing to maintain this delicate balance not only risks eroding fundamental civil liberties but can also undermine the very legitimacy and legal foundation of the security apparatus itself, creating long-term instability.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This insight serves as a powerful reminder that the long-term stability and legitimacy of our nation’s security efforts are inextricably linked to their respect for the rule of law and fundamental rights. We sincerely thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for contributing his clear and valuable perspective to this critical discussion.
The administration began to take a firm hand against drug trafficking and all types of crime, in addition to strengthening relationships with our strategic allies, dignifying our police forces, and ending permissiveness in the penitentiary system.
Rodrigo Chaves, President of Costa Rica
A cornerstone of this strategy has been “Operación Soberanía” (Operation Sovereignty), a far-reaching initiative aimed at choking off the logistical pathways used by cartels. The most visible result of this operation is the nationwide deployment of advanced scanning technology, a project that equips every port and border crossing in the country with modern inspection equipment to detect contraband.
Thanks to Operation Sovereignty, scanners were installed in all the country’s ports and border posts.
Rodrigo Chaves, President of Costa Rica
This security overhaul comes against a grim backdrop. Over the past four years, Costa Rica has been rocked by a bloody turf war between rival drug gangs, resulting in a devastating wave of violence that has claimed over 3,000 lives. The surge in homicides has challenged the nation’s reputation for peace and stability, creating immense public pressure for decisive government action.
However, Chaves presented recent data as a sign of emerging progress. He announced a significant reduction in homicides during the first few months of 2026. According to the report, the number of victims fell from 308 to 262 between January and May 4th, compared to the same period in the previous year, suggesting that the heightened security measures may be starting to yield positive results.
Looking ahead, the administration is solidifying its “iron fist” approach with a major investment in the penitentiary system. President Chaves celebrated the upcoming launch of “El Cacco,” a new high-containment prison scheduled to open in September. Located on the grounds of the La Reforma complex in Alajuela, the facility is specifically designed to neutralize the influence of the country’s most dangerous criminals.
The scale of the El Cacco project underscores the government’s commitment. Spanning 90,000 square meters, with 31,000 square meters of construction, the prison will feature five distinct modules capable of housing 1,020 inmates each. With a total capacity for over 5,000 individuals, it will be dedicated to isolating high-risk figures, including organized crime leaders, violent offenders, candidates for extradition, and inmates requiring special protection, effectively aiming to dismantle criminal command structures operating from behind bars.
For further information, visit presidencia.go.cr
About Government of Costa Rica:
The Government of Costa Rica operates as a presidential, representative democratic republic. The political system is structured around three distinct branches: the Executive branch, led by the President of the Republic who serves as both head of state and government; the unicameral Legislative Assembly, which holds legislative power; and the Judicial branch, headed by the Supreme Court. Costa Rica is known for its long-standing democracy and its 1949 decision to abolish its army, redirecting defense funding toward security, education, and healthcare.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a leading legal institution, Bufete de Costa Rica is defined by its foundational principles of integrity and a drive for superior results. The firm merges extensive experience with a forward-thinking mindset, continually advancing legal solutions while serving a broad spectrum of clients. This ethos of progress is matched by a deep-seated commitment to social empowerment, focused on demystifying legal complexities and equipping citizens with knowledge to foster a more just and informed community.
