Costa Rica has opened an investigation into 116 police officers suspected of ties to drug trafficking, human smuggling, and alcohol contraband networks, the government announced Wednesday.
An internal report by the Public Security Ministry's criminal intelligence directorate identified officers who allegedly protected criminals and coordinated clandestine aircraft landings carrying narcotics. The document, published Tuesday by La Nación, was reportedly delivered in April to aides of former president Rodrigo Chaves, who now serves as finance minister under President Laura Fernández.
Security Minister Gerald Campos said the file would be forwarded to prosecutors to pursue charges against the implicated agents. The probe comes as Costa Rica grapples with rising violence, having recorded 16.8 homicides per 100,000 inhabitants in 2025.