Costa Rica faces organized crime surge and energy grid modernization

Costa Rica is facing multifaceted domestic challenges involving organized crime, economic regulation, and infrastructure modernization. The country remains on the United States list of major drug transit or production nations for fiscal year 2027. Experts warn that the nation has transitioned from a mere transit point to a logistical hub for criminal networks that manage storage, distribution, and sales. This security crisis is underscored by the Atlas Nexus operation, a massive international crackdown involving 35 countries. In Costa Rica, the Organismo de Investigación Judicial (OIJ) seized over 27 tons of drugs, 181 firearms, and 169 properties, while capturing high-profile fugitives.

Simultaneously, the nation is pursuing significant economic and environmental goals. The state-owned Instituto Costarricense de Electricidad (ICE) has secured $300 million in financing from the European Investment Bank and the French Development Agency to modernize the national electric grid and support carbon neutrality.

On the fiscal front, the Ministry of Finance is intensifying digital audits, leading to strict penalties for taxpayers. Errors in tax declarations can result in fines ranging from ¢1.3 million to ¢46 million, based on a percentage of gross income. These developments highlight a period of significant transition for the country's legal, security, and energy frameworks.