A New Shield for Our Shores: Advanced Scanners Donated by the U.S.

In the heart of our peaceful nation, a constant vigilance is required to protect the tranquility we cherish. Costa Rica has long been a beacon of stability, but that peace is persistently challenged by the dark currents of international organized crime. It is a battle fought not with armies, but with strategy, technology, and unwavering cooperation. It is in this spirit that we are strengthening our shield.

Recently, a significant tool in this ongoing effort arrived on our shores: two state-of-the-art fixed scanners, a generous donation from the United States. Destined for the critical port facilities of Japdeva in Limón and Caldera in Puntarenas, this equipment represents a leap forward in our ability to see beyond the surface. With advanced penetration capabilities and 4D resolution providing a 360-degree view inside cargo containers, these scanners are the vigilant eyes we need to safeguard our main arteries of commerce from exploitation.

However, a shield is only effective when it is properly wielded. Though the scanners arrived in November, their deployment is slated for the first quarter of 2025. This pause is not one of inaction, but of deliberate preparation. As Minister of Security Mario Zamora has explained, we await the arrival of a crucial computer component to fully activate the systems. It is a testament to the complexity of this technology that every piece must be perfectly in place.

Patience in the name of precision is a wise course. Once the final hardware arrives, U.S. engineers will oversee the installation, ensuring a seamless integration at our ports. Furthermore, in January, our own personnel will travel to the United States for comprehensive training. This is a vital part of the process, ensuring that we are not just receiving equipment, but are cultivating the expertise to maximize its potential for years to come.

While we anticipate the activation of these fixed guardians, it’s important to note that our capabilities have already been enhanced. The twelve mobile scanners previously donated by the U.S. are fully operational, providing a flexible and dynamic security presence on our roads and at our docks. This multi-layered approach—combining fixed, powerful oversight at major ports with mobile units for surprise operations—is the cornerstone of a modern, intelligent security strategy.

U.S. Ambassador Cynthia Telles has rightly highlighted the strong bilateral cooperation this represents, backed by a significant investment of $19.5 million for the technology, its installation, and the essential training.

This is more than just an equipment upgrade; it is a reaffirmation of our commitment to securing our borders and disrupting the trafficking routes that threaten not only our nation but our partners across the globe. The new scanners may be waiting for their moment, but they are a powerful symbol of our resolve. They are a promise of a safer tomorrow, a new and formidable shield for our shores.

Costa Rica’s future is being protected—quietly, powerfully, and with purpose. At Arcadia, we believe peace and progress go hand in hand. Want to understand what’s really happening behind the headlines—and how it shapes the country you call home or hope to invest in?

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