Drug violence threatens Costa Rica's 'pura vida' way of life.

Costa Rica, known for its peaceful and progressive democracy, is facing a surge in violence due to a growing drug addiction problem. Once a way station for illegal drugs heading to the US or Europe, Costa Rica is now suffering from its own drug abuse problems. Small-scale drug feuds are behind the majority of homicides in the country, and battles over street sales have fueled an increase in bloodshed. The expanding drug-addiction crises in Latin America are exacerbated by a lack of professional police, effective judicial systems, and treatment facilities.