Data from the Judicial Investigation Organism (OIJ) show that from April to July the number of homicides decreased by 18 percent: that is, the decrease per month was 84, 77, 71 and 69 respectively.

We have not yet reached our goal, Security Minister Mario Zamora told a local newspaper.

We have a lot of work ahead of us, but these data indicate that we are on the right track and we will continue to make the necessary adjustments to obtain better results, he said.

The official explained that several strategies were applied, in addition to the coordination between all forces, an initiative never before used in Costa Rica.

The use of technology for decision making, operations in high crime areas and the arrest of professional hit men were some of the actions.

This weekend the country reported 545 murders compared to 387 cases registered for the same period last year.

To date, the provinces of Limon and San Jose lead the statistics with 136 homicides each, according to OIJ data.

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