Police Seize Weapons and Drugs Destined For Colombian Rebel Group
The Colombian rebel group, Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Colombia (FARC), is alive and well with help of Colombians in Costa Rica, as the Ministro de Seguridad Pública, Fernando Berrocal, announced yesterday the confiscation of 600 kilos of cocaine and large cache of weapons in Costa Rica that were about to make their way to Colombia.

Authorities say they also detained eight Colombians and two Costa Ricans in the operation, days after the news of the deportation from Costa Rica of Hector Orlando Martinez, who is believed to be a leader of the FARC.

According to Minister Berrocal, the weapons confiscated are some of the largest used in war over the last 30 years, including M-16's, Ak-47's and more than 60.000 rounds of ammunition, and a number of RPG-7 rockets, including a number of handguns of Russian make.

Berrocal said that only one RPG-7 rocket can destroy an entire office building or a battle tank.

The weapons were confiscated off a fishing boat in Playa Bandera, Parrita, south of Playa Jacó in the Puntarenas province.

The security minister added that the weapons were possibly purchased in Nicaragua and were headed to Colombia by way of Costa Rica. The weapons were ready for shipment and would have been on their way to Colombia if it hadn't been for the quick action by Costa Rican authorities, Berrocal added.

On the fishing boat, authorities also found 19 barrels of fuel, enough fuel to make the trip to Colombian shores.

"It's possible that this is a cell tied to Hector Orlando Martinez", said Berrocal.

The stash of cocaine was confiscated on board a mini bus that was intercepted by police in the area of Tarcoles, a short distance from Jacó beach and Parrita.

Minister Berrocal said that the Colombians detained may be deported soon for reasons of national security.

"They are a threat to our national security and we do not want them here", Berrocal was quoted as saying.