'Drugs' Life

Jules from the Great Wide World (Contact Member) -

Is there a large amount of drug usage and trafficing in Costa Rica. I know there is crime, but I haven't heard too much about drugs. What kinds of drugs are widely used?

Comment #1 Gepito (63.176.159.68) -

I've stumbled over this website upon looking for any drug issue relating news about Costa Rica. I think you can't really request a country to be drug-free because all have these issues to deal with. Even in your country, there are drug issues right? It is up to you, the tourist to have the upper hand and ensure your safety. As told in this informative article on one's safety in Costa Rica:

• Costa Rica - Safety

Comment #2 Gustav (63.176.159.87) -

Why look for holes in a country when you just want to live and enjoy its features? That is the problem with us people getting too curious about things that we shouldn't get involve ourselves with which we will later regret because our expectations are turned down. For example you have been an avid visitor of Costa rica then you suddenly saw this issue on drugs and violence which is just minimal on the state afterwards is that you'll have second thoughts on traveling the country, so instead of your usual fun-filled experience it will be tainted with doubt and paranoia.

Comment #3 cwemoy (63.176.159.29) -

Jules is voicing her concern over a major issue that is not unique to any country in the globe; almost every country has had issues to deal with drug trafficking and crimes associated with these. Her worry should not be with whether Costa Rica has problems of that magnitude; her worry should be whether the country's laws are able to handle such cases. However, hers seem to be some sort of worry rather than concern, why would you want to know the details of which drugs are normally dealt with?

Comment #4 Miles (63.176.159.166) -

The usual problem with drugs is that the authorities and police are very heavy on small trafickers and "mules" who are recruited for a few bucks to do the dirty work for the drug dealers. We are talking about the short side of the rope, the little guys. There have been long jail sentences handed out to dumb American students on vacation caught with some pot. There have been some good films made about all of this. In the meantime, the real action is the part about moving the drugs north to the U.S. where the money really is and that´s where the corruption is. That is the "unseen" part that moves behind the scenes. The crime one faces in all Latin American countries is due to gangs fighting for the small, corner, outlets where small amounts of drugs are sold. Battles are fought over the ownership of these "puntos". Advice, never get involved in any drug associated problems because they are messy and you will end up with a prison roomate that belongs to the "Maras", mean characters! Saludos!

Comment #5 cwemoy (63.176.159.144) -

That is very true Miles. The case is young innocent people suffer the consequences and languish in jail as the main operators walk around and do the normal business. It is akin to getting hold of a rope and tying a dangerous item at the end very well knowing that the danger lies at the end.

It is unfortunate that the real people do not face the law. The young people should also learn from the past and shun such criminal activities.

Comment #6 moy (63.176.159.82) -

Well Gustav, I think you were being too judgemental on the original poster. She simply asked a question that has elicited different views. As most people have mentioned, no country is a saint as far as drug trafficking is concerned. Taking safety as far as personal responsibilty is concerned is vital. It would be unpleasant falling in the wrong side of authorities especially when you have done no wrong. It also unfortunate that the big players go scot free while the ones at the end of rope get victimized

Comment #7 Nenita Goodness (63.176.159.155) -

It is not "looking for holes" in the country but am just asking for information about the history and news about drugs in Costa Rica. It does not really destroy the image or advise the forum goers not to travel to Costa Rica. Drug abuse and the underground industry is present to any country, which is a sad fact but whether you like it or not illegal drug trade is here to stay but that doesn't mean the government is just taking these issues lightly.

Comment #8 Violeta (63.176.159.131) -

All i have to say is that no matter where you are, there will always be illegal stuffs going on, like transactions on illegal drugs. And to think that Costa Rica is such a nice place, it is still not a zero drug country, so we better be careful while in there coz, where there is drugs, there are crimes.. That is the very sad part of the reality. ciao..

Comment #9 Eve (63.176.159.232) -

Paradise is Costa Rica. Living in heaven is Costa Rica.

Comment #10 Eve (63.176.159.91) - 12/07/09 14:17

I truly cannot believe that the tourism industry over in the brilliant looking Costa Rica, is actually experiencing difficulty. Even in a tough economic time as this one, it is something that is hard to decipher.

Comment #11 Eve (63.176.159.186) - 12/16/09 21:18

The reason for my doubt is quite simple. The country is unbelievably beautiful, always have been and shall always be, until the end of time, itself.

Comment #12 adam (63.176.159.207) - 01/01/10 15:10

Undeniable beauty does Costa Rica possess my friends. Dramatic beyond interpretation.

Comment #13 Cynthia (63.176.159.21) - 01/20/10 20:07

I have to agree on that Violeta. There are indeed drugs and drug related violence and crimes all over the world, and what we have to do is to just make sure that we know where are the most dangerous or the hot spot places that can endanger our lives.

But whenever I hear Costa Rica, all that comes in my mind is the beauty this country possesses. Good day to all.

Comment #14 Gabriel from Costa Rica (Contact Member) - 01/21/10 21:48

"Life: Drugs, Costa Rica forum "

Jules, It is true that Costa Rica is used in smuggling drugs to Northern countries. There is violence related to drug use here. Petty crimes are the most common perpetrated on individuals. Cocaine and Marijuana are the most commonly abused substances. All that being said the level of drug related violence is nothing compared to the USA or Mexico. Depending on where you live certainly has a lot to with any problems you may have. San Jose and some tourist hotspots are also hotspots for this kind of petty crimes. Costa Rica has its share of problems, both social, and economic but having traveled and lived in different parts of the world I can't imagine living anywhere else. Costa Rica is a jewel. No country is perfect, but CR is special in a sea of ordinary.

Comment #15 Samuel (63.176.159.35) - 02/14/10 16:43

We are entitled to our own opinions here. Isn't the first post only sought to hear what we think or know about the safety in Costa Rica, I don't see anything wrong with that?

We all have our individual paradise and countries which we can call our home. It is a matter of personal expression, while you can proudly say that Costa Rica holds a special place in your heart, other may think of it otherwise. It is a world of varying thought and perspectives really. No place is perfect for if there is then everyone would want a piece of it, well including criminals, and that will make it just unperfect again and the cycle goes on and on and on and on....

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