The little surveillance in the conservation areas of the country is aking that organized crime gangs take over the land that represent 25% of the national territory.
These areas are used to cultivate drugs such as marijuana, as well as international trafficking of illicit substances which is facilitated by the geographical position, in the case of frontier territories.
In fact, at least 3 park rangers are in prison due their involvement in drug trafficking. The situation is further complicated, as explained Roberto Molina, Secretary General of the Union of the Ministry of Environment, because the lack of support makes rangers feel tempted or threatened by the criminal groups.
We are really alone. There are drug traffickers and we are afraid because they can harm us or our families. It is no a secret that drug traffickers are in the wild areas of Costa Rica,”
declared Molina.
The union leader said that since 1998 the State has created more protected areas and national parks but it has forgotten to hire more rangers. On the field there are only 300 officers.
Security Minister Gustavo Mata said that parks are in very remote areas and they need more attention. It is an issue that should be strengthened and taken into account in the fight against organized crime.