Drug Thugs Accused of Plotting to Kill Costa Rican Officials Go Free

Sometimes you have to wonder what the world is coming to. Emotions are running high in Costa Rica this week-and rightly so-about a gang of Colombian drug thugs accused of plotting to assassinate top Costa Rican officials, including Rodrigo Arias, Minister of the Presidency and brother to President Oscar Arias.

And that's not the worst part of the story. Costa Rican officials deported the "gang of five" back to Colombia where Colombian officials ludicrously gave them a "Get Out of Jail Free" card.

Here's the full story:

Last week, authorities in Costa Rica detained and deported five Colombian men who were accused of plotting to murder Costa Rican officials. Why would they want to do this? For not turning a blind eye to drugs flowing through the country, of course.

According to statements made by Public Security Minister Fernando Berrocal, himself a target in the assassination plot, authorities believe the men were tied to the Cartel del Norte, or "North Cartel," one of Colombia's major drug trafficking organizations. The men are believed to have entered Costa Rica to avenge the seizure of 40 tons of cocaine in various police and Coast Guard operatives over the past 12 months.

Vice-Minister of Public Security Rafael Gutiérrez says the men were deported not only because they posed a threat but also because of immigration irregularities-entry without proper visas.

Costa Rican officials say the suspects received a $50,000 advance from the Cartel del Norte, and were promised another $100,000. Costa Rican authorities acted on information given to them by Colombia, taking steps to investigate the men, including wire taps on at least one cell phone used by the subjects.

But in a macabre (and very suspect, in my mind) twist, Colombia's Administrative Department of Security (DAS), the police force that received the men, allowed them to go free. Colombian officials said the men were facing no charges in their home country and that Costa Rican officials had provided no evidence that the men had committed any crimes. Costa Ricans were outraged, and can you blame them?

Óscar Galvis, spokesman for the DAS, said: "Costa Rica has not given Colombian authorities any documents showing any criminal acts…[the men] do not have criminal records here, nor are they wanted in court, not even for one infraction."

This week, Berrocal cancelled a press conference where he and other officials were expected to talk about the case. In a brief statement, Berrocal said he would be requesting a report from Colombian officials and that he respected their decision. Minister Arias said that he would not talk about the incident. Makes you wonder if there is more to the story…

Your Latin America Insider,
Suzan Haskins
for International Living

P.S. Government officials in Costa Rica recognize the importance of controlling crime to protect the nation's thriving tourism industry and foreign investment-thanks in part to their efforts, many expats are able to live here without fear. If you're seriously considering a move, come see for yourself all Costa Rica has to offer. A golden opportunity is right around the corner… join us this November 5-7 for Live & Prosper in Costa Rica. Our experts will give you priceless information about moving to and living in Costa Rica. To receive details about the seminar as they are released contact Events@InternationalLiving.com.