The United States continues to offer its support to Costa Rica in its fight against drug trafficking and transnational crimes.

For the first time in history, Costa Rica purchased a Maritime Patrol Aircraft using Air Surveillance Service funds. This aircraft, thanks to the U.S. government, is also equipped with state-of-the-art technology.

The King Air 250 is joining the fight against drug trafficking and other illicit transnational activities and will also support humanitarian missions such as search and rescue operations and efforts to protect the country’s maritime resources.

Costa Rica invested more than USD 7 million in the purchase of this aircraft, and the United States contributed nearly USD 6 million to equip it with the most advanced technology.

U.S. Ambassador Sharon Day highlighted that this is a work plane that will help Costa Rica combat transnational crimes such as drug trafficking, trafficking in persons, and illegal fishing.

Also, the U.S. Embassy through its Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) donated eight canines to Costa Rica’s police forces.

The official donation took place during the promotion ceremony of the National Police Academy, where U.S. Ambassador Sharon Day highlighted that the curriculum of the Police Academy now includes a course on K-9 instruction and emphasized the importance of continuing to work with Costa Rica to create a more secure environment for its people and the region.