Archive for December 18th, 2008
Thursday, December 18th, 2008
Costa Rican authorities announced yesterday they have frozen $2.6 million in assets in bank accounts tied to Colombian drug lord Edgar Vallejo-Guarín, also known as Jairo Gómez and “Beto the Gypsy,” who was detained in September in Spain.
Costa Rican Chief Prosecutor Francisco Dall’Anese said in a press conference that deposits totaling $2.6 million had been made under the name “Beto the Gypsy” in Costa Rica to the accounts of different businesses, a friend and girlfriend of Vallejo’s.
Dall’Anese said Vallejo-Guarín was one of the five most-wanted drug lords by the U.S., but added that the investigation is continuing, and he did not rule out the possible existence of further funds in other accounts.
“Blows to the pocketbooks are the ones that hurt criminal organizations the most,” the chief prosecutor said.
In June 2001, a federal judge in Florida charged Vallejo-Guarín with various drug trafficking charges, and a $5 million ransom was placed on his head.
Spanish authorities, with information from the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, arrested Vallejo-Guarín in Madrid on Sept. 4.
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Thursday, December 18th, 2008
President Oscar Arias yesterday signed a law that will dramatically increase penalties for traffic violations and, authorities hope, reduce roadway accidents that kill on average about one person a day in Costa Rica.
Under the new law, drunk drivers automatically lose their license for two years and could be locked up for one-to-three years, although a judge can replace jail time with community service. Driving faster than 150 kph and racing other cars carry the same penalty.
The law, a reform to 1993 legislation, also raises the maximum fine for traffic violations to $410 from $36. A driver is charged $410 for speeding at 120 kph or driving without a valid license or permit. Forgetting to wear a seatbelt, holding a cell phone, or ignoring traffic lights carry a $310 fine.
“I know this law is harsh,” Arias said. “But rather than get scared, we should thank lawmakers for passing it. We have let (drivers) get away with too much. ”
In the coming days, the law will be published in La Gaceta, the official government newspaper, and criminal penalties will take effect two weeks later. Fines will take effect in September to give the Public Works and Transport Ministry (MOPT) time to inform drivers about the changes.
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Thursday, December 18th, 2008
The Biedron family arrived in Costa Rica yesterday in the midst of pomp and celebration as they were the 2 millionth visitor this year, marking a milestone for the country.
Mark and Gretchen Biedron and their five children were awarded the distinction within minutes of getting off their flight at the Juan Santamaría international aiport in San Jose.
The Instuto Costarricense de Turismo (ICT) – tourism board – had predicted that visitor number 2 million woul arrive between December 15 and 19.
In 1999, the Costa Rica broke the 1 million visitor per year mark.
“We will head for the beach, swim with the dolphins, visit the mountains, go horseback riding, learn to surf, visit the falls, there is so much to do in Costa Rica”, said Mark Biedron.
The Biedrons arrived at 12:30pmn on a Continental flight from Newark, New Jersey.
Tourism in Costa Rica generates some us$2.2 billion dollars annually, representing 7% of the Gross Domestic Product, according to the ICT.
Tourism minister, Carlos Benavides, said that the Biedrons are the typical tourist Costa Rica looks to attract.
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Thursday, December 18th, 2008
Drivers of vehicles regardless of final license plate number can travel through the restricted area of the San José starting Monday and until Jan. 5. The Ministerio de Obras Públicas y Transportes has suspended the restrictions that were designed to decrease congestion and save fuel. The restriction that kept 20 percent of the vehicles out of the area at peak hours has been in force since June.
The ministry said, however, that restrictions on heavy trucks and the hours they may travel into the city will continue.
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