Costa Rica will begin construction this year on a maximum-security prison modeled after El Salvador’s Terrorism Confinement Center (CECOT), widely recognized for its role in significantly reducing gang-related violence, Justice Minister Gerald Campos announced Wednesday.

The new facility, called the Center for High Containment of Organized Crime (CACCO), is designed to house 5,100 inmates, increasing Costa Rica’s prison capacity by 40% and addressing current overcrowding. El Salvador is providing technical assistance, blueprints, and advanced security technology, helping ensure the project implements proven strategies to maintain order and safety.

Costa Rica, previously considered the safest nation in Central America, faces a surge in homicides tied to drug gangs. The construction of CACCO is a proactive measure to strengthen national security, prevent internal conflicts in prisons, and enhance public safety, especially as insecurity remains a top concern for citizens ahead of the 2026 elections.

Minister Campos emphasized that the new prison is necessary to modernize facilities, improve containment of organized crime, and implement innovative management systems, while protecting inmates and staff.

The project, budgeted at $35 million, is part of Costa Rica’s broader strategy to adopt best practices from successful regional models, combining modern infrastructure with proven anti-gang approaches.