Operational Task Force, which is made up of 500 officers of the Drug Control Police, Operational Support Group and the Police Intervention Unit was formed in late October.
The strength of the Special Operations Force took to the streets of San Jose, the capital, and other cities in the nation to thwart the activities of drug trafficking groups. Security authorities have deployed these officers to the neighborhoods where gang members smuggle drugs and commit murder in their fight for territory.
"We are reaching exactly to the places where these sales are made, the so-called 'bunker'," said Security Minister Gustavo Mata. "The bunkers are places used for small-scale distribution of cocaine, crack ... We have destroyed a large number of these places have arrested those responsible and have also intercepted a number of firearms ... In one Operating we have located more than 26,000 doses of crack and more than 3,000,000 colones (about US $ 5,660). "
But the impact of Operational Task Force has gone beyond the destruction of bunkers drugs. Until November 16th, the unit had investigated 18,761 people and carried out checks of 2,301 motor vehicles and 1,584 motorcycles. Officers arrested 46 suspects and seized 9,377 doses of crack and 43 firearms, mostly handguns 9 mm- and 1,030 rounds of ammunition and 10 magazines.
The initiative is part of the public safety goal of reducing drug-related violence across the country, according to the deputy head of the Attorney General, Celso Gamboa.
In 2014 there were 477 homicides in Costa Rica, while 411 were recorded in 2013; 407 in 2012 and 474 in 2011.
Between January and September this year, there have been 416 homicides, of which 165 (almost 40%) were drug-related, according to police.
"This means that investigations against organized crime should be supported more so they can dismantle their networks," said Gamboa.
Much of the bloodshed is caused by local drug gangs fighting for control of retail sales income neighborhoods densely populated low in South San Jose and other cities. Most drug trafficking occurs on a small scale in the greater metropolitan area, but it is spreading to nearby cities such as Alajuela, Cartago and Heredia, located in the Central Valley of the country, as well as east of the city Caribbean port of Limon, in the north of San Carlos.
"It is nationwide," said Security Minister Mata. "It's a big business, and is exactly why these people are killing each other, for profit that leaves this activity."
Drug gangs often hire hit men to kill their rivals, and conflicts between illegal groups facing may cause bursts of violence. For example, in the first weekend of November, five people were shot dead within 24 hours.
