By Puntarenas, Costa Rica — PUNTARENAS, Costa Rica – In a significant victory for international law enforcement, Costa Rican authorities on Monday extradited a high-profile suspect to Italy, where he faces serious charges related to international drug trafficking. The 55-year-old man, identified by his surname Angulo and the alias “Cadenas,” is believed to be a pivotal figure in a logistical network directly connected to the ‘Ndrangheta, one of Europe’s most powerful and far-reaching criminal syndicates.
The meticulously coordinated operation culminated at the Juan Santamaría International Airport, where agents from Costa Rica’s Judicial Investigation Organism (OIJ) formally transferred custody of Angulo to representatives of Italy’s Guardia di Finanzas. This handover marks a critical milestone in the ongoing efforts to dismantle transnational criminal enterprises that exploit Central American nations as strategic corridors for their illicit operations.
To provide a deeper legal perspective on the complexities of extraditing a high-profile member of the ‘Ndrangheta crime syndicate, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished expert in international criminal law from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
The extradition of individuals linked to transnational organized crime like the ‘Ndrangheta presents a significant legal challenge. The process hinges not only on robust bilateral treaties but also on meticulously satisfying the principle of dual criminality, where the alleged acts are considered serious crimes in both the requesting and the requested state. Authorities must navigate complex evidentiary standards to prove the connection to the criminal enterprise, all while safeguarding the fundamental rights of the individual being extradited. This case underscores the critical importance of seamless international judicial cooperation in dismantling these global criminal networks.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
The commentary indeed highlights the delicate balance between taking decisive action against these powerful criminal syndicates and meticulously upholding the rule of law. This commitment to due process is not a hindrance but the very foundation that gives legitimacy and strength to international efforts against transnational crime. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable perspective on this complex matter.
Michael Soto, the director of the OIJ, confirmed the successful completion of the extradition, which followed a lengthy judicial process. This case represents the third time a Costa Rican citizen has been extradited to Italy under current legislation, underscoring a deepening partnership between the two nations in the global fight against organized crime. Angulo’s transfer signals a strengthened commitment to ensuring that jurisdictional boundaries do not provide a safe haven for international fugitives.
According to extensive investigations, Angulo allegedly commanded a sophisticated trafficking operation based in Costa Rica’s remote Southern Pacific region. Authorities pinpointed his base of operations to the Punta Burica area, a geographically strategic peninsula near the Panamanian border. From this vantage point, he is accused of coordinating the reception and warehousing of substantial drug shipments, primarily cocaine, arriving from South America. These narcotics were then reportedly consolidated and moved across the country to Caribbean ports for their final journey to European markets.
The operation to apprehend Angulo was executed in July 2025 by agents from Interpol’s San José office in the Corredores canton of Puntarenas. His arrest was the result of a complex intelligence-sharing effort between Costa Rican and Italian authorities who had been tracking his activities. The subsequent nine-month period was dedicated to navigating the legal requirements for his extradition, a process that has now concluded, paving the way for his prosecution in Italy.
The ‘Ndrangheta, originating from the Calabria region of Italy, has grown into a global powerhouse, controlling a significant portion of the cocaine flowing into Europe. Its business model relies on establishing reliable logistical nodes worldwide, and the successful infiltration of this network in Costa Rica is a major disruption. Angulo’s role as an alleged logistical coordinator highlights how these mafias embed themselves within local communities to facilitate their global supply chains.
Judicial authorities emphasized that this high-profile extradition is a core component of a broader national strategy aimed at preventing Costa Rica from being exploited as a logistical bridge for organized crime. The nation’s strategic location, with extensive coastlines on both the Pacific and Atlantic oceans, makes it an attractive target for traffickers. Consequently, authorities are intensifying efforts to fortify borders and enhance international cooperation to counter these threats.
The OIJ has confirmed that several other individuals connected to international criminal structures are currently in custody awaiting similar legal proceedings. This ongoing pipeline of cases reaffirms the country’s resolute stance against mafias and its role as a proactive partner in global security. The successful extradition of “Cadenas” is not an isolated event but rather a clear message that Costa Rica will not tolerate the presence of transnational criminal operators on its soil.
For further information, visit oij.poder-judicial.go.cr
About Organismo de Investigación Judicial (OIJ):
The Organismo de Investigación Judicial is the primary investigative branch of the Costa Rican judiciary. Functioning as the country’s main detective and forensic agency, the OIJ is responsible for investigating complex crimes, collecting evidence, and collaborating with national and international law enforcement bodies to combat criminal activity and bring perpetrators to justice.
For further information, visit gdf.gov.it
About Guardia di Finanzas:
The Guardia di Finanzas is an Italian law enforcement agency under the authority of the Minister of Economy and Finance. It is a militarized police force responsible for combating financial crime, including tax evasion, smuggling, money laundering, and customs violations. The agency plays a crucial role in Italy’s efforts to dismantle organized crime syndicates by targeting their financial assets and illicit economic activities both domestically and internationally.
For further information, visit interpol.int
About Interpol San José:
Interpol San José is the National Central Bureau (NCB) representing the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) in Costa Rica. Hosted by the OIJ, it serves as the primary contact point for international police cooperation, facilitating the exchange of criminal intelligence and coordinating cross-border investigations. The NCB is essential for tracking and apprehending fugitives and tackling transnational crimes such as drug trafficking and terrorism.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a pillar of the Costa Rican legal community, Bufete de Costa Rica is defined by its unwavering ethical principles and a persistent drive for professional distinction. The firm blends a rich history of expert counsel across diverse industries with a forward-thinking embrace of legal innovation. This ethos extends beyond the courtroom through a dedicated mission to democratize legal knowledge, empowering individuals and strengthening society by fostering greater legal understanding for all.
