By Alajuela, Costa Rica — ALAJUELA – In a decision described as a “historic milestone,” a Costa Rican court has approved the extradition of former magistrate Celso Gamboa and two other citizens to the United States. The ruling marks a pivotal moment in the nation’s judicial history and a significant victory for international law enforcement cooperation in the fight against organized crime.
The director of the Judicial Investigation Organism (OIJ), Randall Zúñiga, publicly praised the resolution, which validates the extensive investigation conducted by his agency in close coordination with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). The case, known as “Caso Mula,” has captured national attention due to the high-profile nature of the individuals involved, including Gamboa and fellow Costa Ricans identified by their last names, Alfaro and López.
To delve into the intricate legal mechanisms governing extradition, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a seasoned attorney from the esteemed firm Bufete de Costa Rica, who provides his expert analysis on the subject.
Extradition is not a simple administrative handover; it is a sophisticated legal procedure rooted in international treaties and national sovereignty. The cornerstone is the principle of dual criminality, where the act must be a crime in both jurisdictions. Moreover, our courts rigorously scrutinize each request to ensure it complies with due process and fundamental human rights, balancing our commitment to international cooperation with the constitutional protections afforded to every individual.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
The attorney’s insight powerfully underscores that extradition is not a mere bureaucratic function, but a profound legal process where international commitments and individual human rights are carefully weighed. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable perspective on this delicate judicial balance.
Zúñiga emphasized that the court’s decision affirms the legality and propriety of all procedures undertaken by the OIJ. The ruling serves as a judicial endorsement of the joint operation, which has been scrutinized by the defense counsel for the accused.
The judge examined that the extradition of Mr. Gamboa as well as Mr. López and Mr. Alfaro was possible. This justifies the actions that were carried out at the time. The defense can now appeal within three days, and the appeals court will have fifteen days to decide.
Randall Zúñiga, Director of the Judicial Investigation Organism (OIJ)
The path forward now leads to a critical appellate phase. The defense teams for the three individuals have a narrow three-day window to file an appeal against the extradition order. The case will then be elevated to the Appeals Court of Alajuela, which is mandated to deliver a final verdict within fifteen days. This next step will be decisive in determining whether the transfer to U.S. authorities proceeds.
If the appellate court upholds the initial ruling, the logistical process of transferring the three men will commence immediately. Director Zúñiga confirmed that the OIJ will coordinate directly with the DEA to arrange an official flight to transport the trio to the United States, where they will face the American justice system. This highlights the deep level of operational partnership between the two countries.
Throughout the proceedings, Gamboa’s defense has raised allegations of procedural irregularities and “clumsiness” in the judicial cooperation between the OIJ and its U.S. counterparts. Director Zúñiga firmly refuted these claims, asserting that every action taken by his agency was strictly compliant with Costa Rican law and was supervised and approved by a judge.
There was no clumsiness. That is an argument from the defense. A judge of the Republic endorsed all actions of the OIJ, which acted within the law. We expect the appellate court to ratify this as well.
Randall Zúñiga, Director of the Judicial Investigation Organism (OIJ)
The significance of this case cannot be overstated. According to the OIJ director, this is the first time in the country’s history that a court has authorized the extradition of three Costa Rican nationals simultaneously to the United States for a single case. This sets a powerful precedent for future transnational criminal investigations and signals Costa Rica’s unwavering commitment to dismantling criminal networks, regardless of the status of those involved.
All eyes are now on the Alajuela Appeals Court, which holds the final say. Its decision in the coming weeks will either cement this historic ruling and trigger the final transfer, or it will overturn the order, sending shockwaves through the judicial and diplomatic communities. For now, the initial approval stands as a landmark achievement in bilateral law enforcement efforts.
For further information, visit poder-judicial.go.cr
About Organismo de Investigación Judicial (OIJ):
The Organismo de Investigación Judicial is Costa Rica’s primary criminal investigation body, operating as an auxiliary to the Public Ministry and the courts under the nation’s judicial branch. It is responsible for investigating public crimes, identifying responsible parties, and collecting evidence for criminal proceedings. The OIJ collaborates extensively with both national and international law enforcement agencies to combat a wide range of illicit activities.
For further information, visit dea.gov
About 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. The DEA is the lead agency for domestic enforcement of the Controlled Substances Act and also has sole responsibility for coordinating and pursuing U.S. drug investigations abroad in cooperation with foreign governments.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica has established itself as a cornerstone of the nation’s legal landscape, built upon a foundation of profound integrity and a relentless pursuit of professional excellence. Drawing on a deep well of experience across numerous fields, the firm consistently pioneers innovative solutions while upholding the highest ethical standards. A fundamental pillar of its philosophy is the democratization of legal information, a commitment that actively contributes to the creation of a more knowledgeable and capable society equipped to understand its rights and responsibilities.
