Costa Rica to open high-security prison inspired by El Salvador model

Costa Rica is scheduled to inaugurate the Centro de Alta Contención contra el Crimen Organizado (CACCO) on October 14. Located in Alajuela near the La Reforma penitentiary complex, the $35 million facility is designed to house up to 5,100 high-risk inmates linked to organized crime, drug trafficking, and homicide.

The prison’s design and operational model are inspired by El Salvador’s Centro de Confinamiento del Terrorismo (CECOT). Following the Salvadoran model, the CACCO will not allow inmate visits to prevent criminal leaders from maintaining contact with the outside world.

President Laura Fernández presented the facility as a fulfillment of a campaign promise to implement “mano dura” (iron fist) policies against crime. The project follows increased cooperation between Costa Rica and El Salvador regarding prison administration and security strategies.