What is going on with crime in Costa Rica in 2025

As of March 2, 2025, Costa Rica has recorded 146 homicides in the first two months of the year, according to recent reports from judicial sources. This figure suggests a daily average of approximately 2.4 homicides, projecting a potential total of around 880 homicides by the end of 2025 if the current trend continues unchanged. This would translate to a homicide rate of roughly 16.8 per 100,000 inhabitants, based on an estimated population of 5.2 million. However, this is a projection, and actual outcomes could vary due to seasonal fluctuations, policy interventions, or other factors. The majority of these homicides—63 cases, or about 43%—are linked to organized crime, specifically drug trafficking and territorial disputes between rival groups. San José, the capital, has emerged as the province with the highest number of cases, reflecting a concentration of violence in urban and densely populated areas. Other provinces, such as Heredia, Alajuela, and Guanacaste, have also reported increases compared to the same period in 2024, with Heredia showing a particularly sharp rise.

This data aligns with broader trends observed in recent years. In 2024, Costa Rica’s homicide rate was reported at 16.7 per 100,000, a slight decrease from the record-breaking 17.2 per 100,000 in 2023, when the country saw 907 homicides—the most violent year in its history. The slight decline in 2024 was attributed in part to operations like "Operación Caribe" by the Judicial Investigation Agency (OIJ), targeting organized crime networks. However, the early 2025 figures suggest that violence remains a persistent challenge. Historically known for its safety and stability in Central America, Costa Rica’s rising crime rates have been driven by its growing role as a transshipment point for cocaine moving from South America to North America and Europe. The influx of drugs has fueled local gang activity, with groups expanding their operations and clashing over control of trafficking routes and markets. About 70% of homicides in recent years have been tied to organized crime, and firearms are used in roughly 80% of these killings, highlighting the prevalence of gun violence. Beyond homicides, petty crime—such as theft, pickpocketing, and property crimes—continues to affect both residents and tourists, particularly in popular destinations like Jacó, Manuel Antonio, and San José. In 2023, the Tourism Police reported 1,447 crimes against tourists, a slight drop from 1,518 in 2022, but still averaging over 120 incidents per month. These incidents, while not typically violent, contribute to a growing perception of insecurity, with 41.8% of Costa Ricans in a 2024 survey citing crime as the nation’s most serious issue, up from 13.3% in 2022. The government, under President Rodrigo Chaves, has responded with measures like the "Costa Rica Segura Plus 2023-30" plan, which includes hiring more police officers, increasing salaries, and installing scanners at ports like Moín to curb drug trafficking. Chaves has also referenced El Salvador’s hardline "Bukele model" as a potential inspiration, though he has stopped short of fully adopting its draconian tactics. Despite these efforts, challenges persist, including limited resources, police corruption risks due to low salaries (starting at around $600 per month), and socioeconomic factors like youth unemployment and school dropouts, which feed gang recruitment. In summary, crime in Costa Rica in 2025, as of early March, shows a continuation of elevated violence, primarily driven by drug-related organized crime, with homicides on pace to remain high but potentially below the 2023 peak. Petty crime remains a concern, especially for tourists, while systemic issues and government responses continue to shape the security landscape. For the most current and detailed insights, ongoing monitoring of official sources like the OIJ would be necessary as the year progresses. drug trafficking impact crime in Panama