Many people are imprisoned in Costa Rica due to the criminalisation of drugs. In 2020 alone, 114,090 arrests were made for drug- related offences. Costa Rica’s prisons are above capacity by 27%, making it the second worst for prison overcrowding among OECD countries. Many people are imprisoned due to the criminalisation of drugs. In 2020 alone, 114,090 arrests were made for drug-related offences. Yet Costa Rican prisons provide no access to harm reduction and very little access to health services. At the same time, distrust in public institutions is growing, with only 29% of citizens expecting public officials to turn down bribes. In response, in 2012, the judiciary approved a restorative justice pilot programme. Under the initiative, if both parties consent, an agreement is made which is designed to repair the damage caused to individuals and the community. If the person who has been charged with the offence uses drugs, they are offered access to a voluntary, tailored treatment plan as part of the agreement, which includes psychological and social support.

In 2020, 141 people participated in the restorative justice programme; this alone saved Costa Rica over USD 590,000. The pilot’s positive results led to the programme being expanded. In 2023, around 2,250 restorative justice meetings were held. Of the agreements reached, 94% were fulfilled in their entirety. Research into the drug treatment plans offered through the process found participants reported significant and positive changes in one or more areas of their life, including social reintegration.