Author’s Note:  This article is condensed from two official press releases issued by the United States Embassy in San Jose.

Communications between the National Coast Guard Service of Costa Rica and United States vessels or aircraft involved in search and rescue (SAR) or law enforcement (LE) operations is now possible thanks to the recent donation of five Harris military radios and respective training.

These long-range radios allow sending of encrypted voice and text messages on secure frequencies. The radios are used by the Department of Defense (DOD) of the United States; most Central American countries already have them. They allow better coordination and communication when handling regional operations.

Another advantage of these radios is that they can function as portables in certain missions, helping authorities sty in touch with headquarters and U.S. ships and /or aircraft.

17 Coast Guard officers from Costa Rica were trained over two weeks in the resolution of technical issues, tactical and strategic communications, methods to establish 100 percent connectivity with other stations and vessels, and setting up a proper frequency schedule to ensure constant communication.

The radios and training are valued at $538,806.

The U.S. government also donated 10 thermal night-vision cameras, which will provide Costa Rica with the ability to conduct night patrols and maritime interdiction. This donation includes equipment installation, training, maintenance and warranty, all valued at $100,000.

Mario Zamora, Costa Rica’s Minister of Public Safety stated:

“We are working to provide our police with firts-class resources, hence the friendly contribution of the U.S. government is vital.”

The business attache of the U.S. Embassy, Gonzalo Gallegos, pointed out that:

“In recent years, under the leadership of Minister Zamora and with the support of the Legislative Assembly, the Ministry of Public Safety has made substantial and strategic investments to fight crime more effectively, from international crime organizations down to pickpockets on the streets. This is what makes the partnership between the United States and Costa Rica is so strong, because we invest where Costa Rica invests .”

During a visit to their station in Caldera, members of the National Coast Guard Service of Costa Rica spent time with two U.S. House Representatives and shared their experiences with regard to the fight against drug trafficking.

Representatives Ted Poe (R-Texas) and Janice Hahn (D-CA) visited Costa Rica to listen to those who fight against organized crime. Representative Poe is Chairman of the Subcommittee on Terrorism, Nonproliferation and Trade Affairs Committee of the House of Representatives. The presence of these members of Congress is essential to the democratic process and accountability to the people of the U.S., who deserve to know how their tax dollars are being utilized.

Gonzalo Gallegos accompanied the congressional delegation and had the opportunity to learn more about the strategic alliance between the two countries in operational law enforcement against drug traffickers in the Pacific Coast, as well as their enhanced capabilities for interdiction.

Original sources: U.S. Embassy Facebook