The past administration of President Solis acquired from the Government of the United States an aircraft to be used as an aerial intelligence platform, the same is expected to arrive to the country by March next year.

The aircraft, a King Air 250, will be modified to be used by the Ministry of Public Security for surveillance against organized crime and illegal fishing. This ‘mobile radar’ only has seats for the pilot, copilot and operators of the Aerial Surveillance Service.

Michael Soto, Minister of Public Security, stated in a press conference today, that this plane will be another tool to battle drug trafficking as well as to protect the marine life.

The plane had a cost of more than $7.2 million for the Costa Rican Government, the funds came from the taxes paid by corporations, in addition the plane is undergoing special adaptations (radars and infrared systems among others) estimated in over $5 million that are a contribution of the United States government, for a total cost of over $12 million.

Some deputies and a local newspaper criticized the purchase of the plane in times of fiscal crisis, in response to this Minister Soto stated “Even though this purchase was not decided during this administration, I do agree with it, as I see it, it is a valuable tool in our fight against drug trafficking. For those that have stated that this is a ‘luxury acquisition’ we must emphasize that this is a plane that was bought to fight organized crime, it is not for the use or transportation of anyone. Because the plane has specific characteristics and state-of-the-art-technology, it has a high price, but it will be very valuable; the support that the US Government is giving us with this is of extreme importance for the necessary aerial surveillance, Costa Rica has an extensive maritime territory. The Government must have the necessary tools to fight drug trafficking”.