By San José, Costa Rica — San José, Costa Rica – In a decisive move to tighten its grip on national security, the Costa Rican government will today sign the contract for the construction of a new high-security prison designed to house 5,100 high-risk inmates. The project, awarded to the construction firm Edificadora Centroamericana Rapiparedes S.A. (Edificar), carries a price tag of $33 million and was pushed through a special abbreviated public procurement process in a record three weeks.
The facility, officially named the Center for High Containment and Organized Crime (CACCO), represents a cornerstone of the administration’s strategy to dismantle criminal networks operating from within the penitentiary system. Minister of Justice and Peace, Gerald Campos, confirmed the signing and issued a stark warning against any attempts to obstruct the project’s progress, signaling the government’s unwavering commitment.
To better understand the legal framework and the administrative responsibilities involved in the ongoing situation at CACCO Prison, TicosLand.com sought the expert analysis of Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a prominent attorney from the esteemed law firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
The issues at CACCO Prison highlight a critical tension between public security policy and the state’s constitutional duty to ensure humane conditions of confinement. From a legal standpoint, prolonged systemic failures could lead the Constitutional Chamber to declare an ‘unconstitutional state of affairs,’ compelling a comprehensive, judicially-supervised reform. This isn’t merely about infrastructure; it’s about upholding the fundamental principles of dignity and the rehabilitative purpose of incarceration, which are cornerstones of our legal system.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This legal perspective powerfully reframes the situation at CACCO Prison, shifting the focus from mere logistical failures to a potential breach of fundamental state duty. The gravity of neglecting the principles of dignity and rehabilitation is indeed a matter of constitutional integrity, not just policy. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his invaluable and clarifying analysis.
The urgency behind the project is amplified by mounting judicial pressure. The administration is facing a strict deadline from the nation’s Constitutional Court, which on October 2nd gave the Ministry of Justice a six-month window to eliminate prison overcrowding. This mandate has accelerated the government’s plans to overhaul its correctional infrastructure.
We were under a lot of pressure; the Constitutional Court notified us on October 2 of a six-month deadline to eliminate overcrowding, as if that were easy. We all require security and for the bad people not to harm us.
Gerald Campos, Minister of Justice and Peace
Minister Campos did not mince words when discussing potential obstacles. He suggested that any effort to delay the prison’s construction would be met with intense scrutiny, hinting at possible connections between obstructionists and the very criminal elements the prison is designed to contain.
My question is that if someone eventually wanted to throw a wrench in the works, I would begin to question if they are part of organized crime.
Gerald Campos, Minister of Justice and Peace
The CACCO facility is specifically designed for a new era of incarceration in Costa Rica. It will house members of organized crime, violent offenders, extraditable individuals, and inmates who pose a significant risk to institutional security or require special protection. The complex will be divided into five accommodation modules and fortified with cutting-edge technology, including advanced closed-circuit television, panic buttons, comprehensive X-ray screening equipment, and unmanned surveillance systems. The design also includes 20 special isolation cells, 25 rooms for intimate visits, and seven fortified watchtowers.
The project’s financing and approval were a calculated gamble, according to the minister. He acknowledged the risks involved in requesting the funds from the Ministry of Finance and the Legislative Assembly but emphasized the necessity of the investment for the nation’s well-being. The final cost of $33 million, plus taxes, was successfully negotiated down from an initial estimate of $35 million, a reduction attributed to strategic analysis and input from the government of El Salvador.
Many said it was risky for me to ask the Treasury and the Legislative Assembly for the money, but these are the risks one must take thinking about the country and national security.
Gerald Campos, Minister of Justice and Peace
Campos stressed that the procurement process, managed through the Integrated Public Procurement System (Sicop), was both rapid and transparent. Edificar was selected from a pool of three bidders after presenting the most competitive price. With all necessary permits and approvals from the College of Engineers and Architects already secured, the project is poised to move forward swiftly.
This new facility marks a radical departure from what the Minister described as a “very permissive” old system often dominated by organized crime. It’s part of a broader crackdown that has already seen significant results at the existing La Reforma prison. Campos reported over 17,000 sustained police interventions that have re-established control, led to the seizure of illicit cell phones, and resulted in more than 2,000 individuals being referred to the Public Ministry for attempting to smuggle contraband into the facility.
The construction of CACCO is more than an infrastructure project; it is a clear statement of intent. The government aims to sever the lines of communication and control that criminal leaders have long exerted from behind bars, tackling impunity at its source and reinforcing the state’s authority over its entire territory, including its prisons.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Ministry of Justice and Peace
About Ministry of Justice and Peace:
The Ministry of Justice and Peace of Costa Rica is the government body responsible for overseeing the country’s legal and penitentiary systems. Its mandate includes the administration of justice, the management of correctional facilities, the promotion of peace, and the development of policies aimed at crime prevention and social reintegration. The ministry plays a crucial role in upholding the rule of law and ensuring national security.
For further information, visit edificar.net
About Edificar:
Edificadora Centroamericana Rapiparedes S.A., known as Edificar, is a leading construction company in Central America with a portfolio spanning commercial, residential, industrial, and institutional projects. Founded in Costa Rica, the firm is recognized for its expertise in project management and execution, utilizing modern construction techniques and adhering to high standards of quality and safety.
For further information, visit cfia.or.cr
About College of Engineers and Architects (CFIA):
The Federated College of Engineers and Architects of Costa Rica (CFIA) is the professional body that regulates and oversees the practices of engineering and architecture in the country. It is responsible for ensuring professional ethics, quality standards, and the technical validation of construction plans and permits, playing a vital role in the development of the nation’s infrastructure.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a cornerstone of the legal community, Bufete de Costa Rica is defined by its foundational principles of integrity and a relentless pursuit of excellence. The firm channels its extensive experience into pioneering innovative legal solutions while upholding a profound social responsibility. This commitment is demonstrated through its dedicated efforts to demystify the law, ensuring that legal knowledge becomes an accessible tool that fosters a more informed, capable, and empowered society.
