In a recent report released by the Contraloría General de la República (CGR), it was disclosed that more than half of the merchandise transported through the Moín Container Terminal (TCM) was not subjected to inspections by drug detection scanners in 2024. This finding underscores significant concerns regarding the effectiveness of current measures aimed at combatting drug trafficking, tax evasion, and the entry of pests and diseases that could impact the agricultural sector in Costa Rica.

The method of non-intrusive control, which includes the use of scanners, cameras, tracking devices, scales, and customs information systems, is intended to monitor goods without halting the flow of trade.

However, the CGR noted that the management of such controls has failed to meet significant criteria of the applicable regulatory and technical frameworks due to deficiencies in strategy, structure, and processes and information.

According to the audit, only 48% of the transport units that entered the TCM in 2024 were inspected.

The TCM serves as a key connection between Costa Rica and Europe, a significant market for cocaine imports.

Among the inspected units, authorities reported the detection of 17 shipments containing drugs and 22 with undeclared or under-declared merchandise.

The report did not specify the total number of containers processed by the country's main port.

On September 27, 2023, President Rodrigo Chaves stated during a visit to Puntarenas that “not a kilogram, an ounce, or a gram has left the TCM since we launched Operation Sovereignty”, referring to the two scanners installed at the port in July of that year.

However, data has indicated that several tons of cocaine may have bypassed these scanners or remained unchecked, reaching ports in Europe and Asia.

For instance, in September, a container was scanned without triggering an alert despite containing over a ton of cocaine hidden among cassava flour, bound for Antwerp, Belgium.

This consignment was flagged only after a subsequent inspection by specialized dogs from the police identified traces of drugs.

Additionally, it was reported that 350 kilograms of cocaine successfully reached Spain from Moín in October without detection.

In light of these seizures in European ports, Security Minister Mario Zamora attributed the failure of scanner operations to attacks that have hampered their effectiveness against organized crime operating within Costa Rica.

The CGR's report also indicated that overall, 73% of the cargo moved in 2024 across all ports and borders went uninspected, despite existing laws requiring that 100% of import and export goods be reviewed.

The TICA (Technology of Information for Customs Control) platform, responsible for managing imports and exports, recorded 1.4 million customs declarations in the previous year, generating tax declarations amounting to ¢1.7 trillion.

The CGR detailed that of the nine control points surveyed (five land borders, two ports, and two airports), only two ports implement non-intrusive controls.

Moín currently operates ten scales and three scanners equipped with cameras that recognize license plates and identification numbers of transport units.

Meanwhile, Caldera has four scales for assessing transport weights but lacks a scanner, although one is expected to be installed from two donated by the United States and received four months prior, with a customs value of ¢1.902 billion.

The second scanner is set to be installed at the Gastón Kogan dock in Moín. By February 28, the Ministry of Public Security reported that these devices were in custody and had not yet been assembled or installed.

Additionally, both main border crossings are slated to receive new non-intrusive control equipment.

However, the CGR highlighted that these projects were progressing slowly.

In Paso Canoas, an area in the south, a designated space for a scanner has existed since June 25, 2024, yet funding sources for its procurement have not been determined.

In Peñas Blancas, located in the north, radio frequency identification devices and a scale were acquired in October and December of the same year, respectively; however, these remain unused due to ongoing development of the integrated information system.

Coordination among various ministries, including Finance, Public Security, Foreign Trade, and Agriculture, was criticized by the CGR for inadequate management of non-intrusive controls, with each agency operating independently.

Executive decree 44362-H-COMEX-MAG-MSP, enacted on December 13, 2023, assigned coordination to the Ministry of Public Security.

Nevertheless, the CGR stated that the ministry had yet to establish mechanisms to coordinate, execute, and supervise these controls.

"Institutional policies are not aligned, and formal mechanisms for inter-agency coordination are lacking.

This limits the capacity for a comprehensive, coordinated, and timely response in inspecting goods," stated the audit.

The CGR urged the four ministries to establish an inter-institutional coordination body by May 30 at the latest, with functionality certification required by August 29. Furthermore, by December 5, they must report on the installation and operation of non-intrusive control equipment across all ports and borders.