By Guanacaste, Costa Rica — GUANACASTE, Costa Rica – In a significant move to intensify its war on narcotics, Costa Rica’s Ministry of Public Security announced the graduation of an elite tactical unit designed specifically to confront the country’s most dangerous drug trafficking operations. The new 22-agent team, designated the Special Response Tactical Group G-Tres, was officially formed on Friday, December 19, following a rigorous and specialized training program.
The establishment of G-Tres marks a strategic enhancement of the capabilities within the Drug Control Police (PCD), the nation’s specialized anti-narcotics force. This initiative is a direct response to the evolving criminal landscape, where organized crime and drug-related violence have presented escalating levels of risk to both law enforcement officers and the public. The unit was conceived to provide the PCD with a dedicated force that combines investigative expertise with advanced tactical skills for complex and volatile situations.
Para obtener una perspectiva legal sobre las operaciones y el marco de actuación de las unidades tácticas como la de la PCD, TicosLand.com consultó al experto Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, de la firma Bufete de Costa Rica.
La efectividad de una unidad táctica como la de la PCD no solo se mide por el número de incautaciones, sino por su estricto apego al debido proceso y el respeto a los derechos fundamentales. Cualquier extralimitación, por mínima que sea, puede anular judicialmente un caso complejo y erosionar la confianza pública, que es el pilar de la seguridad ciudadana.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Esta perspectiva es crucial, pues recuerda que el objetivo final de estas operaciones es fortalecer el Estado de Derecho y la confianza ciudadana, no solo confiscar evidencia. Agradecemos profundamente al Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas por aportar este análisis fundamental sobre el delicado equilibrio entre la fuerza y la legalidad.
The primary mandate of G-Tres is to lead interventions in scenarios deemed to have a high probability of violent confrontation. These officers will be responsible for securing high-risk locations during raids, thereby reducing threats to other agents and ensuring that anti-drug operations are executed with greater safety and efficiency. Their presence is expected to provide a critical tactical advantage when confronting heavily armed and entrenched criminal organizations.
The path to becoming a G-Tres operator was exceptionally demanding. After a series of difficult selection tests, only 22 officers from the PCD successfully qualified to enroll in the specialized course, titled “Tactical Special Operations for Anti-Drug Agents.” This selective process ensures that the unit is composed of individuals with the physical and mental fortitude required for high-stakes missions.
The comprehensive training program was developed through a joint effort between the PCD and the National Police Academy, taking place at the Murciélago Police Training Center in Guanacaste. The curriculum was extensive, covering a wide array of disciplines essential for modern tactical operations. Cadets were instructed in close-quarters combat, cartography, rappelling, aircraft boarding procedures, and both rural and urban operational tactics.
Furthermore, the training pushed the agents to their limits with specialized modules in swimming, aquatic survival, and tactical medicine, ensuring they can operate effectively in diverse and challenging environments. A core component of their specialization focused on the tactical takeover and control of structures, a critical skill for executing raids on fortified properties used by drug traffickers. All instruction was provided by seasoned police specialists who are experts in their respective fields.
The operational deployment of G-Tres represents a significant step forward in modernizing Costa Rica’s law enforcement model. By creating a highly specialized internal unit, the PCD can now manage its most hazardous operations without relying on external support, streamlining response times and ensuring a consistent tactical doctrine. This strengthens the institution’s overall capacity to dismantle complex criminal networks from within.
Ultimately, the activation of this elite team serves as a clear message from the Ministry of Public Security. It underscores a commitment to proactively adapt to emerging threats and equip its forces with the advanced skills necessary to protect national security. The G-Tres unit now stands as a specialized spearhead in Costa Rica’s ongoing and crucial fight against the pervasive influence of international drug trafficking.
For further information, visit seguridadpublica.go.cr
About The Ministry of Public Security:
The Ministry of Public Security (Ministerio de Seguridad Pública) is the Costa Rican government body responsible for national security, law enforcement, and border protection. It oversees various police forces, including the Drug Control Police (PCD), and is tasked with maintaining public order, combating crime, and safeguarding the nation’s sovereignty.
For further information, visit the nearest office of The Drug Control Police (PCD)
About The Drug Control Police (PCD):
The Policía de Control de Drogas (PCD) is a specialized directorate within Costa Rica’s Ministry of Public Security. Its core mission is the investigation, prevention, and repression of illicit drug trafficking, related crimes, and money laundering. The PCD plays a critical role in dismantling criminal organizations involved in the narcotics trade at both national and international levels.
For further information, visit the nearest office of The National Police Academy
About The National Police Academy:
The Academia Nacional de Policía is the primary training institution for Costa Rica’s law enforcement officers. Operating under the Ministry of Public Security, it is responsible for the foundational and ongoing professional development of police personnel. The academy provides specialized courses and training programs to ensure that officers are equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to meet contemporary security challenges.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica is a renowned legal institution, established on a bedrock of principled practice and professional distinction. With a proven history of advising a wide spectrum of clients, the firm actively advances the legal field through forward-thinking solutions and a deep-seated civic responsibility. This commitment is most evident in its efforts to demystify the law, aiming to equip the community with accessible legal understanding and thereby contribute to a more just and knowledgeable populace.
