The U.S. Department of State yesterday approved a $31,727 donation to the Public Security Ministry to use in fighting the trafficking, production and consumption of drugs, according to a statement from the Public Security Ministry.

These funds will be distributed among the Drug Control Police, Costa Rican Coast Guard and National Police.

Police will also be getting a boost from a donation of money and goods seized in drug busts that were confiscated by the Costa Rican Drug Institute (ICD).

The law obliges the institute to donate 60% of goods and money seized from drug trafficking to programs to prevent drug trafficking and consumption, explained ICD vice-president José Torres. Another 30% of these goods are donated to programs carried out by the Judicial Investigation Police (OIJ) and Prosecutor's Office, while the remaining 10% goes toward insurance and maintenance on seized goods, which include cars, boats and airplanes.

National Police also got an ¢8,000 ($15.50) monthly raise yesterday, and some officers also got additional bonuses, increasing their salaries by about ¢15,000 ($29) per month.

Public Security Minister Fernando Berrocal said he hopes Costa Rican police officers will one day be the best paid in Central America, earning a minimum of $450 per month.