U.S. Treasury Identifies Moín Container Terminal as Central Cocaine Hub in Costa Rica
The United States Treasury Department has recently issued a stark warning, identifying the Moín Container Terminal in Costa Rica as the primary cocaine trafficking hub in the country, and one of the largest in Central America. This significant announcement came from Washington, D.C., accompanied by sanctions against a key player in Costa Rican drug trafficking, Gilberth Bell Fernández, also known as Macho Coca.
Limón: The Heart of Cocaine Trafficking and Related Violence
The statement from the U.S. Treasury highlights the strategic importance of Limón, specifically the Moín Container Terminal, in the narcotics trade. Not only is it the largest center for cocaine trafficking in Costa Rica, but it also plays a crucial role in the Central American drug corridor. The report also sheds light on the alarming level of violence in the Caribbean province, linking 90% of homicides there to clashes between organized crime groups. In 2022, Costa Rica recorded 657 homicides, a quarter of which occurred in Limón.
Costa Rican Government’s Stance on the U.S. Report
Costa Rica’s Minister of Security, Mario Zamora, commented on the U.S. report, noting that the highlighted issues are rooted in past events that have now caught up with the current government. Zamora believes that the country’s reputation would only be damaged if no corrective actions were taken. He emphasized that the government’s efforts in security are being recognized by the U.S., as evidenced by the President’s recent invitation to the White House.
Operation Sovereignty: Efforts to Curb Drug Trafficking
In response to the drug trafficking crisis, the Costa Rican government implemented scanners at APM Terminals four months ago under “Operation Sovereignty.” This initiative was defended as a plan to completely halt drug shipments to Europe. Despite these efforts, there have been significant drug leaks, including one reported by Spain’s National Police, involving the seizure of 720 kilograms of cocaine in a container from Costa Rica.
Ongoing Challenges and Recent Seizures
The port of Rotterdam in the Netherlands also reported a substantial cocaine seizure from Costa Rica, amounting to 494 kilograms. The Costa Rican Ministry of Security announced an investigation into these incidents, pending official information. In a positive turn, recent efforts by Costa Rican authorities led to the seizure of 120 kilograms of cocaine hidden in a truck at APM Terminals and two tons off the coast of Limón.
A Complex Battle Against Narcotics in Costa Rica
The situation at the Moín Container Terminal, as outlined by the U.S. Treasury, paints a complex picture of the challenges faced by Costa Rica in combating narcotics trafficking. While the government’s efforts show some success, the ongoing incidents of drug smuggling and related violence highlight the need for continued vigilance and international cooperation. The fight against drug trafficking in Costa Rica remains a multifaceted issue, requiring a robust and coordinated response from both national and international agencies.
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