With the assistance of the United States, the Ministry of Public Security purchased three vessels from the U.S. company Metal Shark, a firm specialized in the design of vessels for law enforcement purposes. Also with the assistance of the United States, the Aerial Surveillance Service (SVA) recently added a new aircraft to facilitate law enforcement and counter-narcotics operations and a new hangar for the U.S. embassy-supported fleet of four UH-1ST helicopters that participate in counter-narcotics operations.

U.S. Embassy Chargé d’Affaires (CdA) Gloria Berbena indicated that for decades both Costa Rica and the United States have fought together against drug trafficking and that improvement of Costa Rica’s capacity to patrol its waters with the new vessels shows its commitment to build a more stable, prosperous, and safe region.

The Cessna Grand Caravan will support the Ministry of Public Security Air Surveillance Service by strengthening security in Costa Rica and increasing its air transportation capabilities, as well as search and rescue operations, anti-drug operations, the combat of illegal fishing, and humanitarian support. The plane valued at USD $5.6 million, was purchased with U.S. and Costa Rican funds, and the total value includes the plane, spare parts, maintenance, and training.

The United States supports Costa Rica in the improvement of its different police forces. U.S. support in security has quadrupled in the last three years to more than USD $40 million per year with funding going to maritime and border security programs, police professionalization, justice sector support, grassroots citizen security, and aviation cooperation