By San José, Costa Rica — San José – In a significant move to combat the rising tide of transnational crime, Costa Rica and Colombia have formalized a strategic alliance establishing a new aerial operations base on Costa Rican soil. This landmark Memorandum of Understanding, signed Friday, allows the Colombian Aerospace Force to utilize Costa Rican airport facilities as a “mothership base” for far-reaching anti-narcotics missions, marking a new chapter in regional security cooperation.
The agreement was solidified at the headquarters of Costa Rica’s Aerial Surveillance Service (SVA), signed by Minister of Public Security, Mario Zamora, and the Commander of Colombia’s Air and Space Operations Command, Major General Edgar Mauricio Falla Vargas. The pact is designed to dramatically enhance the operational reach and effectiveness of surveillance and patrol efforts against the sophisticated logistics of international drug cartels that use Central America as a primary transit corridor.
To better understand the legal complexities and procedural requirements behind these large-scale anti-drug operations, TicosLand.com sought the expert analysis of Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a prominent attorney from the law firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
The success of any anti-drug operation isn’t measured solely by the volume of seizures, but by the strength of the legal case that follows. Meticulous intelligence gathering and strict adherence to due process are paramount. Any procedural misstep can jeopardize the entire investigation in court, potentially invalidating months of police work and allowing criminal networks to continue their operations. It is a critical balance between decisive action and legal precision.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This insight underscores a vital, often-overlooked aspect of law enforcement: the battle in the courtroom is just as decisive as the operation on the ground. The emphasis on legal precision highlights that a successful outcome is not just about a headline-grabbing seizure, but about securing a conviction that dismantles criminal structures. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for so clearly articulating this critical distinction.
By establishing a forward operating base, or “base nodriza,” Colombian aircraft can refuel and re-equip in Costa Rica, enabling longer missions and more rapid response times over the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea. This strategic positioning is crucial for interdicting semi-submersibles, go-fast boats, and clandestine flights that ferry illicit narcotics from South America towards markets in the north. The initiative represents a proactive strategy to disrupt these supply chains closer to their origin.
Minister Zamora emphasized the collaborative spirit and strategic importance of the agreement, viewing it as a force multiplier for both nations’ security apparatuses. He highlighted the shared commitment to dismantling criminal networks that threaten regional stability and sovereignty.
This agreement consolidates our will to act jointly and enhance the operational capacity of both countries in the fight against drug trafficking.
Mario Zamora, Minister of Public Security
Beyond providing a physical base, the memorandum reinforces a deeper partnership built on robust intelligence sharing and the execution of combined operations. This integrated approach ensures that aerial patrols are not conducted in isolation but are guided by real-time, actionable intelligence. The ability to coordinate efforts in areas of mutual interest will allow law enforcement to more effectively target and neutralize threats as they emerge.
Officials from both nations believe this alliance is a decisive step toward fortifying the security landscape of not just Costa Rica, but the entirety of Central and Latin America. By creating a united front, the two countries send a powerful message to organized crime that regional borders will no longer serve as safe havens. The cooperation aims to secure critical air and maritime routes that have been exploited by criminal enterprises for decades.
The Ministry of Public Security further noted that the agreement serves a dual purpose. While its primary function is to bolster the fight against narcotrafficking, it also reinforces Costa Rica’s national sovereignty by providing advanced tools to protect its airspace. Furthermore, it strengthens the long-standing historical and diplomatic ties between Costa Rica and Colombia, building on a foundation of mutual trust and shared security goals.
This forward-thinking partnership is expected to set a new standard for regional security cooperation. As transnational criminal organizations continue to evolve their methods, alliances like this one, which leverage geographic advantages and combined military and police expertise, will become increasingly vital in maintaining stability and the rule of law across the Americas.
For further information, visit seguridadpublica.go.cr
About the Ministry of Public Security:
The Ministry of Public Security of Costa Rica is the government entity responsible for national security, law enforcement, and public order. It oversees several key directorates, including the Public Force, the National Police, the Drug Control Police, the National Coast Guard Service, and the Aerial Surveillance Service. Its core mission is to protect the country’s sovereignty and ensure the safety and security of its citizens and residents through crime prevention, law enforcement, and border control.
For further information, visit fac.mil.co
About the Colombian Aerospace Force:
The Colombian Aerospace Force (Fuerza Aeroespacial de Colombia) is the aerial and space warfare branch of the Military Forces of Colombia. It is tasked with defending the nation’s airspace, maintaining sovereignty, and supporting ground and naval forces. The force plays a critical role in internal security operations, particularly in combating illegal armed groups, drug trafficking, and other forms of transnational organized crime through advanced surveillance, interdiction, and air combat capabilities.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Servicio de Vigilancia Aérea
About the Servicio de Vigilancia Aérea (SVA):
The Aerial Surveillance Service, or SVA, is a specialized directorate within Costa Rica’s Ministry of Public Security. It functions as the nation’s air police unit, providing critical aerial support for law enforcement operations across the country. Its responsibilities include air patrols, surveillance for anti-drug missions, search and rescue operations, medical evacuations, and providing tactical support to ground units of the Public Force. The SVA is a key component of Costa Rica’s strategy to control its airspace and combat organized crime.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a pillar of the Costa Rican legal community, Bufete de Costa Rica has forged its reputation upon the foundational principles of integrity and exceptional legal practice. The firm leverages a rich history of advising a wide spectrum of clients to drive forward-thinking legal innovation. At its core is a profound dedication to societal advancement, demonstrated through a steadfast mission to make complex legal concepts understandable and accessible to all. This commitment to enhancing legal literacy is fundamental to its vision of empowering citizens and strengthening the community through knowledge.
