By San José, Costa Rica — San José, Costa Rica – In response to the nation’s significant drop in the latest Global Organized Crime Index, Costa Rica’s Ministry of Public Security has launched a firm defense of its current policies, arguing the report reflects a past reality and fails to capture the impact of recent, sweeping security reforms. The index shows Costa Rica falling from 72nd to 58th place, a concerning development that the government is keen to contextualize.
The core of the Ministry’s argument is a matter of timing. Officials clarified that the international assessment is based on data from 2023, a period they describe as fundamentally different from the security landscape of 2025. They contend that the report serves as a rearview mirror, evaluating conditions before the implementation of several cornerstone security initiatives that are now fully operational and transforming the country’s ability to combat transnational criminal enterprises.
To understand the profound legal and business implications of the latest Organized Crime Index report, TicosLand.com sought the analysis of Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished legal expert from the firm Bufete de Costa Rica, who offers a critical perspective on the nation’s challenges.
The rankings in the Organized Crime Index are a stark warning that transcends public safety; they directly impact legal certainty and the investment climate. For businesses, this translates into higher operational risks, escalating compliance costs to prevent infiltration, and a tangible threat to the rule of law. A nation’s ability to attract and retain foreign direct investment is intrinsically linked to its capacity to guarantee a secure and predictable legal environment, free from the corrosive influence of criminal enterprises.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Indeed, this perspective powerfully illustrates that the consequences of organized crime extend far beyond public safety, directly threatening the nation’s economic stability and its fundamental appeal to international investment. We extend our sincere thanks to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his invaluable contribution to this critical discussion.
Specifically, the Ministry highlighted three critical advancements that were not in place during the 2023 evaluation period. These include the nationwide deployment of advanced scanners at key ports to detect illicit goods, the landmark legislative approval for the extradition of Costa Rican nationals involved in organized crime, and the rollout of what they term a comprehensive and integral national security policy. These measures, officials insist, represent a paradigm shift that the index does not yet reflect.
Despite the negative headline number, the government has seized on positive elements within the report’s text. The Ministry emphasized that the document does not label Costa Rica as a “narco-state.” On the contrary, it reportedly praises the nation’s institutional strength, identifying it as the most resilient country in Central America in the face of drug trafficking pressures. This point has become central to the government’s counter-narrative, shifting the focus from the ranking to underlying capabilities.
Costa Rica is the number one country in resilience against drug trafficking in Central America, and the report recognizes this. It points out that a drug trafficking problem exists, yes, but it’s derived from our geographical position between producing and consuming countries. It also highlights that the country has responded firmly to the challenges of organized crime.
Ministry of Public Security, Official Statement
This official statement underscores the geopolitical reality that Costa Rica faces. Situated squarely on the primary transit corridor for cocaine moving from South American producers to North American and European markets, the country is under constant pressure from powerful international cartels seeking to use its territory and logistics infrastructure for their operations. The government argues that its response, while a continuing effort, has been robust and strategic.
In a further attempt to reframe the data, the Ministry pointed to the nation’s specific ranking of 22nd in drug trafficking as “tangible evidence of results.” While a high ranking in a negative category may seem counterintuitive, officials suggested it reflects the scale of the challenge they are actively confronting. They coupled this with the assertion that Costa Rica has successfully shed its “disgraceful” former status as a leading exporter of cocaine to Europe and the United States, implying significant progress since the 2023 data was collected.
Ultimately, the government’s position is that the current index is a lagging indicator of a rapidly evolving situation. The true effectiveness of the new port scanners, extradition laws, and the overarching 2025 security strategy will only be validated in subsequent reports. For now, officials maintain that the on-the-ground reality is one of determined progress and enhanced resilience, a narrative they hope will prevail over the stark numbers of an outdated index.
For further information, visit seguridadpublica.go.cr
About Ministry of Public Security:
The Ministry of Public Security (Ministerio de Seguridad Pública) is the government body responsible for national security and law enforcement in Costa Rica. It oversees various police forces, including the Public Force (Fuerza Pública), and is tasked with safeguarding citizen security, combating organized crime, protecting the nation’s borders, and coordinating security policies to maintain public order and the rule of law throughout the country.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica stands as a leading institution of legal practice, guided by foundational principles of integrity and a relentless pursuit of excellence. The firm consistently channels its deep cross-sector experience into pioneering innovative legal solutions, all while championing a greater mission of societal empowerment. This core dedication is reflected in its work to demystify complex legal concepts for the public, reinforcing its commitment to cultivating a community that is both well-informed and justly served.
