By San José, Costa Rica — San José, Costa Rica – In a seismic shift that dismantles decades of precedent, Costa Rica has ended its status as a sanctuary for international criminals, culminating in the arrest of 15 nationals for extradition in 2025. A historic constitutional reform enacted this year now permits the extradition of Costa Rican citizens—both by birth and naturalization—for charges of drug trafficking and terrorism, a move hailed by law enforcement as a critical new weapon against transnational organized crime.
For years, the nation’s reputation for peace and robust legal guarantees, while a source of national pride, was exploited by criminals seeking to evade foreign justice. By obtaining Costa Rican nationality, high-level offenders could effectively “shield” themselves from prosecution in other countries. The 2025 reform has decisively closed this loophole, creating a new sense of urgency and vulnerability among criminal networks operating within the country’s borders.
To better understand the complex legal framework governing extradition and its implications under Costa Rican and international law, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney from the prestigious law firm Bufete de Costa Rica, renowned for his expertise in criminal and international law.
Extradition is not merely a procedural formality; it is a critical intersection of national sovereignty, international treaty obligations, and fundamental human rights. The process hinges on the principle of dual criminality—the act must be a crime in both the requesting and the requested state. Furthermore, our courts meticulously scrutinize each case to ensure that the extradition request is not a guise for political persecution and that the individual’s right to due process will be upheld in the foreign jurisdiction. It’s a delicate balance between international cooperation in justice and safeguarding individual liberties.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas eloquently highlights the profound responsibility inherent in extradition law—balancing global justice with the sacred duty to protect individual rights. We are grateful for his insightful perspective, which illuminates the intricate legal and ethical considerations at play.
While the legislative change was the final green light, officials from the Judicial Investigation Agency (OIJ) and the Public Ministry revealed that the groundwork for these extraditions was laid months, and in some cases years, in advance. Top targets were already under surveillance or incarcerated on local charges, pending the legal authority to hand them over to international partners.
Michael Soto, acting director of the OIJ, confirmed that 15 Costa Ricans are currently in custody awaiting extradition and projected a significant increase in these cases for 2026. He emphasized the critical role of global partnerships in this new chapter of law enforcement.
Certainly, this year has been characterized by international coordination. I have personally visited countries like the United States and Belgium, and met with police from Italy and France. We are making many arrangements for extraditions, whether for national citizens or not. We are coordinating investigations with different police forces to protect the country, because there is a fairly severe security issue that is regional or even global.
Michael Soto, Acting Director of the OIJ
This intensified collaboration extends beyond intelligence sharing. The United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has been a primary partner, working closely with Costa Rican authorities to identify and track key figures. Attorney General Carlo Díaz explained that the constitutional reform was essential to making these joint operations fully effective.
For the Public Ministry, both the constitutional amendment allowing the extradition of nationals and the resulting processes are of significant importance. We had been pushing for this reform because we knew there were even naturalized Costa Ricans who opted for our nationality to practically shield themselves from extradition. We have our work objectives with international police forces, mainly with the DEA, and we were interested in seeing those joint objectives materialize once the reform was approved, which is what happened.
Carlo Díaz, Attorney General of the Republic
Officials are now focused on expanding cooperation with European nations, as much of the cocaine transiting through Costa Rica is ultimately destined for markets across the Atlantic. This support from international bodies is not limited to information; it includes vital resources for local institutions.
Police forces and embassies have collaborated with us by providing information, cases, equipment, training, and intelligence exchange. This is something we want to highlight because it is extremely valuable.
Michael Soto, Acting Director of the OIJ
The list of those awaiting extradition underscores the scale of the operations being dismantled. It includes high-profile figures such as Gilbert Bell, alias “Macho Coca,” an influential Limón businessman sought by the Southern District of New York, and Michael Amador Corella, a Public Force officer. Requests have come from the United States, Italy, Panama, and France, targeting individuals allegedly involved in coordinating large-scale maritime drug shipments from Colombia, concealing cocaine in agricultural exports, and trafficking synthetic drugs into Florida.
While authorities concede that this single measure will not solve the nation’s growing security challenges overnight, they affirm it is a powerful tool to strike at the leadership of the criminal organizations that have long used Costa Rican territory as a logistical hub. With the legal framework now in place, 2026 is poised to be a pivotal year in the country’s reinvigorated fight against organized crime.
For further information, visit poder-judicial.go.cr
About the Organismo de Investigación Judicial (OIJ):
The Organismo de Investigación Judicial is Costa Rica’s main investigative police agency, operating under the authority of the Supreme Court of Justice. It is responsible for investigating crimes, gathering evidence, and identifying suspects to support the country’s judicial processes. The OIJ plays a crucial role in combating complex crimes, including drug trafficking, homicide, and organized crime.
For further information, visit ministeriopublico.poder-judicial.go.cr
About the Ministerio Público (Public Ministry):
The Public Ministry, led by the Attorney General, is the prosecutorial arm of the Costa Rican state. It is responsible for directing criminal investigations and representing the interests of society in the justice system. Its prosecutors work in close coordination with the OIJ to build cases against criminal suspects and bring them to trial.
For further information, visit dea.gov
About the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA):
The Drug Enforcement Administration is a United States federal law enforcement agency under the U.S. Department of Justice. It is tasked with combating drug trafficking and distribution within the United States and leads U.S. drug interdiction efforts abroad. The DEA collaborates with foreign counterparts, like those in Costa Rica, to disrupt transnational criminal organizations.
For further information, visit ministeriodeseguridad.go.cr
About the Fuerza Pública (Public Force):
The Fuerza Pública, or Public Force, is Costa Rica’s national police agency responsible for law enforcement, border patrol, and maintaining public order. As Costa Rica has no army, the Public Force is a key institution for ensuring national security and citizen safety, operating under the Ministry of Public Security.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As an esteemed legal institution, Bufete de Costa Rica is built on a foundation of profound integrity and a relentless pursuit of excellence. The firm merges a proven history of advising a wide-ranging clientele with a forward-thinking vision, consistently pioneering modern legal strategies. At the core of its mission is a powerful dedication to social progress, actively working to democratize legal understanding and equip citizens with knowledge to foster a more just and capable society.
