Costa Rica’s recent inauguration of a sprawling million mega-prison signals a pivotal shift in the country’s approach to combating organized crime and enhancing national security. As the region grapples with rising violence associated with drug trafficking, this facility—built in cooperation with the Salvadoran government—aims not only to accommodate an increasing prison population but also symbolizes a commitment to a safer society and national stability.
A newly opened maximum-security mega-prison in Costa Rica has begun its operations, welcoming its first group of inmates. The prison, officially named the High-Containment Center Against Organized Crime (CACCO), is situated on the outskirts of the capital, San Jose, and has been developed in collaboration with the Salvadoran government. The Costa Rican Justice Ministry announced the arrival of the initial 123 inmates, all dressed in orange, with their heads shaved and hands clasped behind their necks.
Justice Minister Gabriel Aguilar emphasized the significance of this new facility, stating that Costa Rica is “writing a new chapter in its penitentiary history.” Inaugurated on October 15 by President Laura Fernandez, the CACCO symbolizes a robust “tough on crime” initiative propelled by the current administration. With the capability to house up to 5,100 inmates, the facility represents a substantial investment in the nation’s security infrastructure.
Heightened security measures and advanced containment capabilities characterize this new framework, which Aguilar described as a “monument to national security.” The government aims to project strength in its stance against organized crime, reflecting a determination to uphold the authority of the state. The CACCO will accommodate approximately 20 percent of the country’s current prison population, and its establishment is a strategic move to alleviate chronic overcrowding within the existing prison system.
Once celebrated for its relative tranquility, Costa Rica has seen a marked increase in violent crime over recent years, driven mainly by disputes among criminal organizations vying for control of lucrative drug trafficking routes. The nation recorded alarming murder rates, with 905 homicides in 2023, followed by figures of 876 in 2024 and 873 in 2025.
In the broader regional context, Costa Rica’s efforts to combat crime through institutions such as the CACCO may inspire similar measures among right-wing leaders in various Latin American countries, who are also encountering escalated levels of violence and crime. The mega-prison represents a tactical response to ongoing challenges, with the Costa Rican government poised to tackle insecurity head-on in a bid to reclaim its reputation as a secure destination.
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