politics
Costa Rica and Nicaragua agree on greater coordination to combat illegal gold mining
Costa Rica and Nicaragua agreed to strengthen the coordination of their security forces to curb illegal gold mining and smuggling across their common border, following a bilateral meeting in Peñas Blancas amid growing reports of organized crime networks operating in the Las Crucitas area and along the San Juan River.
TL;DR
- Costa Rica and Nicaragua will strengthen security force coordination to fight illegal gold mining and smuggling.
- Agreements include improved joint police operations, intensified information exchange, and bi-monthly meetings between security leaders.
- The collaboration addresses concerns over organized crime networks involved in illegal mining in the Las Crucitas area and along the San Juan River.
- Costa Rica plans to discuss the issue with the US president, seeking a hemispheric approach.
- Illegal mining activities in Las Crucitas have caused significant environmental damage, including mercury contamination.