Despite the efforts of the authorities to stop homicides, the first half of 2018 already exceeds 300 cases. This was announced by the Judicial Investigation Agency (OIJ) on Thursday after two murders occurred in Alajuelita and Zapote.
The statistics of the entity indicate a total of 302 cases (to June 28th at noon), 29 cases more than those reported on the same date of 2017, the most violent year in the history of Costa Rica.
Luis Ángel Ávila, deputy director of the OIJ, said that retaliation linked to organized crime and drug trafficking are responsible for the rise in the number of homicides. The chief explained that in the first semester, four triple homicides and three quadruples were reported, reflecting the violence experienced in Costa Rican society.
The statistical analysis of the authorities shows a decrease in the number of homicides during the month of June, both in the months of 2018 and in the comparison with June 2017. The Minister of Security, Michael Soto, attributes the reduction in homicides to the 12 mega-operations that have been carried out during the last weeks. June could end as the least violent month of the year.