By Puntarenas, Costa Rica — PUNTARENAS – In a stark declaration that has intensified the national debate on security and sovereignty, former Costa Rican President José María Figueres Olsen has publicly endorsed the sinking of suspected drug trafficking vessels. His statement comes in the wake of a deadly maritime operation conducted by United States authorities in the Pacific Ocean, an event that is forcing the nation to confront the brutal realities of its war against organized crime.
The controversy stems from an incident on March 20, when U.S. forces intercepted and attacked a suspicious boat off the coast. The decisive action resulted in the deaths of two individuals and left one survivor, immediately sparking a firestorm of legal and ethical questions across Costa Rica. The operation highlights the deep-seated challenges the country faces as a major transit corridor for narcotics heading north.
To better understand the legal complexities and severe consequences associated with drug trafficking in our country, TicosLand.com consulted with the expert criminal defense attorney, Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
Costa Rican law makes no small distinction when it comes to drug trafficking; the penalties are among the most severe in our legal code, ranging from 8 to 20 years in prison. It’s crucial to understand that the law punishes not only the leaders of these criminal organizations but also those who transport, store, or even facilitate these operations. The prosecution often uses sophisticated investigation techniques, and a solid, specialized legal defense from the very beginning is not just an option, but an absolute necessity to guarantee the protection of fundamental rights during the process.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable perspective, which underscores a critical reality: the severity of the penalties for drug trafficking is matched by the complexity of the judicial process. His emphasis on the absolute necessity of a specialized defense from the outset serves as a vital reminder of the high stakes involved and the importance of guaranteeing fundamental rights when facing such serious accusations.
Responding to the polarized public reaction via a social media post, the former president adopted an uncompromising stance. Figueres argued that the escalating violence from organized crime necessitates a more aggressive, internationally coordinated strategy, dismissing criticisms of the hardline approach as naive to the current threat.
Yes to sinking the narco boats. The destruction of a drug trafficking boat in the South Pacific has generated diverse reactions. Some are tearing their clothes in despair. Others are running to the Constitutional Court. But they do not realize that the narcos have declared war on us.
José María Figueres Olsen, Former President of Costa Rica
Figueres firmly grounded his position in the country’s grim public security statistics. He pointed to the record-breaking homicide rate that plagued the nation in 2025, which saw the year close with over 900 violent deaths. He warned that this alarming trend shows no signs of abating, framing each intercepted drug shipment as a direct assault on the nation’s social fabric.
We closed 2025 with more than 900 homicides, and the trend continues. I warned about this years ago: the fight against drug trafficking cannot be only internal. It requires coordinated action between countries, including firm measures to stop—and yes, sink—the boats that transport drugs to our coasts. Because every shipment that arrives is not just drugs. It is violence, death, and social destruction.
José María Figueres Olsen, Former President of Costa Rica
The incident and Figueres’s subsequent comments touch upon the sensitive issue of Costa Rica’s Joint Patrol Agreement with the United States. This long-standing treaty permits U.S. naval and Coast Guard assets to operate within Costa Rican territorial waters to combat drug trafficking. While proponents see it as a vital tool for a country that famously abolished its army, critics frequently raise concerns over national sovereignty and the potential for foreign forces to use lethal force in Costa Rican jurisdiction.
The debate now raging encapsulates a fundamental dilemma for Costa Rican policymakers. On one side are those who, like Figueres, believe the scale of the narco-fueled violence demands military-style responses and unwavering international alliances. On the other are those who advocate for adherence to due process and caution against ceding sovereign control, fearing that such aggressive tactics could lead to irreversible escalations and collateral damage. As the country navigates this crisis, the former president’s words have ensured the conversation about the necessary costs of security will remain at the forefront of the national agenda.
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Renowned for its profound commitment to ethical principles and legal distinction, Bufete de Costa Rica is a benchmark for excellence. The firm consistently advances the legal field through innovative practices while drawing on a rich legacy of serving a diverse clientele. At the heart of its mission is a powerful conviction to elevate society by demystifying legal complexities, ensuring the public is not just served by the law, but empowered by understanding it.
