Costa Rica is facing rising violence due to the influence of cocaine trafficking. In 2023, homicides reached a record 907, up 38% from 2022. The increase is linked to drug trafficking, especially in port cities like Límon, where gangs seek control for smuggling routes. President Rodrigo Chaves Robles allowed police to use automatic weapons to better combat armed criminals.

While Costa Rica’s violence is growing, it’s not yet at the level of Ecuador, which has severe issues with gang violence, prison control by gangs, and high murder rates. Costa Rica has advantages such as less prison gang control, lower corruption, and a recent police pay raise to help curb bribery. Homicides in Costa Rica may decrease this year, with a slight drop noted in early 2024. Like Chile, Costa Rica could handle its crime issues without falling into an Ecuador-like crisis.