Originally Posted by WarChild

American's are afforded no special protection in Costa Rica.

After a short civil war, the Costa Rican army was disbanded. To ensure the country would not be over thrown by neighboring country's millitaries, defense pacts were signed with the United States of America. This means if Panama rolls in with an army, well, "here come da Marines".

What, you ask, did America get in return? The Costa Rican goverment will cooperate with the DEA, FBI, DOJ, CIA, Treasury, etc. Basically, if you're American and want to escape American laws, don't come to Costa Rica.