Drugs drive rising murder rate in Costa Rica

Subject

Rising murder rates.

Significance

Police have forecast that Costa Rica's murder rate will reach an all-time high this year and continue to rise rapidly over the coming decade. This is the result of a thriving local drugs market, and the country’s increasing role as a transshipment point for narcotics.

Impacts

• The perceptions that increased immigration exacerbates criminality will encourage anti-immigrant sentiment.
• Rushed police recruitment may lead to poor training, increasing the likelihood of corruption and human rights abuses.
• While US aid to Central America is to be cut, security funding will continue, with Costa Rica considered a key US ally.