From: InSightCrime.org
Written by David Gagne
Contraband is a bigger problem in Costa Rica than drug trafficking, according to government officials, highlighting the scale of the country’s illicit smuggling of goods that range from cigarettes to medicines, while also raising questions on the current status of the country’s drug trade.
The recent statement by Costa Rica‘s Viceminister of Finance, Fernando Rodriguez, that contraband is a larger issue than drug trafficking comes as the country decides on a legislative proposal to strengthen punishment of those convicted of illegally importing goods, reported crhoy.com. Under the reform proposed in September 2014, offenders who smuggle over $50,000 worth of goods into Costa Rica could receive up to 5 years in prison.
