In Costa Rica a considerable increase has been reported in the illegal transfer of agricultural products such as avocados, which have been banned from Mexico for almost three years.
Crhoy.com reports that "... 'The Fiscal Control Police (PCF) reported a change in the trend of items confiscated in the first quarter of 2018. This is because they have detected significant shipments related to products such as avocados and garlic."
Producers in the sector are warning about a growth in contraband of agricultural products encouraged by a price differential and lack of border controls.
The border between Costa Rica and Panama, according to producers in the area, has become a corridor for the smuggling of agricultural goods. The large number of border posts (about 80) and the considerable distances, make it very difficult to control the movement of goods.
Costa Rica has the largest share of illegal liquor in the market of all the countries in Central America with 22%, while the average in other countries in the region is 8%.
Costa Rica also ranks among the top five countries in Latin America for having the most bootleg liquor in their markets, according to a study prepared by Euromonitor International for the Association of Producers and Importers of Alcoholic Beverages in Costa Rica (Apibaco).
Costa Rica is not allowing the entry of potatoes from the U.S. and customs in Miami have increased controls on ornamental plants coming from Costa Rica.
It has been assumed that the increased controls on ornamental plants occurred after the State Phytosanitary Service (SFE) of Costa Rica suspended the issuance of phytosanitary requirement forms for importing U.S. potatoes.
The Chamber of Industries in Costa Rica is to create a trust with resources collected from its members to improve the equipment of the police force.
The trust will be constituted under an agreement with the Ministry of Public Security (MPS), in order to obtain and manage financial resources provided by the companies associated with the Chamber of Industry, and assign them with the aim of improving the equipment of the Police Force .