Daily Edition: San José, Costa Rica, April 22,  2003

Tico Drug War by the Numbers
During 75 anti-drug operations launched during the first trimester of 2003, the Drug Control Police have confiscated some $121,500 worth of narcotics and arrested 80 people -- 60 Ticos and 20 foreigners -- on drug-trafficking charges, according to the Ministry of Public Security.
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Date Set for Preliminary
Hearing in Martin Murder
Almost two years after University of Kansas student Shannon Martin, 23, was stabbed to death in the southern Pacific port town of Golfito, the case is finally set to go before a judge next week.
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C.R. Objects to Cuba's Criticisms
Opting to stay out of a spitting match with Cuba, Foreign Minister Roberto Tovar yesterday called the Cuban government's recent insults of Costa Rica "deplorable" and reaffirmed his government's commitment to universal human rights.
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Conference: "Las Reflexiones Europeas en Torno al Uso de las Nuevas Biotecnologías"

By Dr. Pere Puigdomenech, research professor of the CSIC at the Molecular Biology Institute in Barcelona, Spain, at 7 p.m., Spanish Cultural Center, Av. 13, Ca. 31. Info: 257-2919.

Study Techniques for Teens and Parents
Directed by Dr. Leonel Vega, Librería Internacional, Multiplaza. Info: 800-542-7374.

I International Folklore Dance Show
Tues.-Wed., April 22-23, 7 p.m., Melico Salazar Theater, Av. Ctrl., Ca. Ctrl./2. Info: 259-5839.

Tico Drug War by the Numbers
Tim Rogers
trogers@ticotimes.net

BUSTED: Police confiscate heroin at Juan Santamaría Airport TT/ Ministerio de Seguridad Publica

During 75 anti-drug operations launched during the first trimester of 2003, the Drug Control Police have confiscated some $121,500 worth of narcotics and arrested 80 people -- 60 Ticos and 20 foreigners -- on drug-trafficking charges, according to the Ministry of Public Security.

In the first four months of the year, police have confiscated more than 122 kilograms of cocaine, 2,810 "crack rocks," and 54 kilograms of heroin -- almost four times the average annual amount of heroin confiscated during the last decade, according to official statistics.

In 2002, police confiscated a then-record amount of heroin with 42.5 kilograms, up from 12.7 kilograms the year before.

In what is being called the largest heroin bust in Costa Rican history, police on April 9 searched a pickup truck passing through the south-Pacific municipality of Golfito and discovered 40 kilograms of heroin and 101 kilograms of cocaine hidden in the seat and in the back of the vehicle.

The New York street value of the heroin confiscated during the April 9 bust alone is estimated at $256 million, according to the Security Ministry.

During this year's 75 anti-drug operations, 56 have occurred on Costa Rican soil and 19 have occurred in or near territorial waters.

According to police statistics, marijuana has been confiscated in 38 of the drug busts, crack has been found during 25 of the operations and heroin in three.

The Security Ministry credits citizen help and tips to its success fighting the drug war. Citizens are encouraged to call and report any suspicion of drug trafficking 800 DROGA NO (800-3764-266). All calls are confidential and anonymous.

Date Set for Preliminary
Hearing in Martin Murder
By Tim Rogers
trogers@ticotimes.net

Almost two years after University of Kansas student Shannon Martin, 23, was stabbed to death in the southern Pacific port town of Golfito, the case is finally set to go before a judge next week.

Stauffer shows photo of Shannon to national press TT/ Scott Brennan

A preliminary hearing for the three Costa Rican suspects fingered in the murder is scheduled for next Tuesday, April 29, in the Golfito courts, according to official sources.

During the preliminary audience, Golfito Prosecutor Erick Martínez will present the judge with evidence against suspects Alberto Castro, 38, Rafael Zumbado, 48, and Katia Cruz, 27. The accused, in turn, will present the judge with their defenses.

Prosecutor Martínez formally charged all three suspects -- two of whom are currently serving preventive prison sentences -- with murder on March 20 (TT, March 28).

According to Supreme Court spokeswoman Sandra Castro, the judge will have 48 hours to decide whether the prosecution has presented enough evidence for the case to go to trial, or whether the prosecutor needs more time to investigate and gather evidence before sending the case to trial.

If the judge rules there is sufficient evidence, the case will be sent to the Golfito Justice Tribunal and a date will be set for the three-judge murder trial. If the judge finds holes in the prosecution, more time will be given to gather evidence and a new date for a preliminary hearing will be set.

A third possible outcome of next Tuesday's preliminary audience is that the suspects enter guilty pleas to the murder charges, in which case their sentences would be handed down by the three-judge panel. Given the suspects' repeated claims of innocence, sources close to the investigation are not counting on guilty pleas.

Martin, a KU senior scheduled to graduate with honors, was stabbed 15 times on May 13, 2001. Her body was found in the early morning hours along an airstrip access road, 30 meters from her host family's house (TT May 18, 2001).

Mother Jeanette Stauffer, of Topeka Kansas, recently traveled to Costa Rica for the fourth time since her daughter's murder and made a nationally televised appeal for a taxi driver identified as a key witness to come forward with information (TT, March 14). Her appeal paid off when the taxi driver came forward four days after Stauffer went on TV.

According to the 600-page murder case, obtained by the daily Al Día, several additional witnesses have offered testimony linking the three suspects to the murder.

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