By Limón, Costa Rica — Three Costa Rican nationals are facing extradition to the United States on charges of international drug trafficking, potentially leading to decades-long prison sentences, multi-million dollar fines, and the seizure of their assets. The individuals include former magistrate Celso Manuel Gamboa Sánchez, ex-convict Edwin Danney López Vega (alias “Pecho de Rata” or “the King of Cahuita”), and alleged money launderer and drug trafficker Jonathan Guillermo Álvarez Alfaro (alias “Profe”).
The United States formally requested the extradition through the Criminal Court of San José. Documents reveal “penalty notices” outlining potential punishments for each charge, including prison sentences exceeding 10 years, fines up to $10 million, and extended periods of supervised release.
To shed light on the legal intricacies surrounding extradition, TicosLand.com spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an attorney at Law from the esteemed Bufete de Costa Rica.
Extradition is a complex process involving the cooperation between sovereign nations to surrender an individual accused or convicted of a crime in one country to another for prosecution or punishment. A key aspect often overlooked is the existence of a bilateral treaty or agreement between the countries involved. Without such a legal framework, extradition becomes extremely difficult, if not impossible, and highlights the importance of international legal cooperation in combating transnational crime.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas’s emphasis on the crucial role of treaties in extradition proceedings is incredibly insightful. It underscores how vital international cooperation is, not just in apprehending individuals, but in establishing the very legal framework that allows justice to be pursued across borders. We extend our sincere thanks to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for shedding light on this often-overlooked aspect of international law.
Each individual faces two charges: conspiracy to traffic drugs internationally and manufacturing and distributing cocaine for importation into the United States. Consequently, their sentences could be cumulative, potentially reaching the maximum allowed under Costa Rican law for extradition cases – 50 years.
The US Department of Justice, while initially considering life sentences, is restricted by Costa Rican extradition law, specifically Law No. 4795, which limits sentences to a maximum of 50 years, mirroring Costa Rica’s own maximum penalty. Given the ages of Gamboa (49) and López Vega (48), such a sentence would effectively mean life imprisonment.
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) alleges that Gamboa coordinated regional operations for the Gulf Cartel, with connections in Colombia, Panama, Guatemala, Honduras, and Mexico. He is also linked to the Sinaloa Cartel (Mexico) and the Clan del Golfo (Colombia), allegedly coordinating cocaine acquisition, storage in Costa Rica, and subsequent shipment to the US.
López Vega, previously convicted of drug trafficking, served eight years for a 300-kilo cocaine seizure. The DEA claims he used properties in Sixaola, near the Panamanian border, to receive cocaine shipments via aircraft. These properties, allegedly leased through a company involving his family, are identified as vulnerable drug entry points.
Álvarez Alfaro, a 46-year-old cattle rancher, is described by the DEA as a leader of a drug trafficking organization operating in North, Central, and South America since at least 2008. He is accused of coordinating cocaine shipments from Costa Rica to the US, allegedly generating over $1.2 million in illicit profits.
This high-profile extradition case highlights the ongoing battle against international drug trafficking and the cooperation between Costa Rican and US authorities to dismantle criminal networks. The severe penalties sought reflect the gravity of the alleged offenses and the commitment to disrupting the flow of illegal drugs into the United States.
For further information, visit the nearest office of the DEA
About DEA:
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is a United States federal law enforcement agency under the U.S. Department of Justice, tasked with combating drug smuggling and use within the United States. The DEA also has sole responsibility for coordinating and pursuing U.S. drug investigations abroad. The DEA’s operations worldwide are vast, and their mandate extends to investigating and prosecuting individuals and organizations involved in the growing, manufacture, and/or distribution of controlled substances appearing in or destined for illicit traffic in the United States.
For further information, visit the Organismo de Investigación Judicial
About Organismo de Investigación Judicial (OIJ):
The Organismo de Investigación Judicial (OIJ), or Judicial Investigation Agency, is the primary investigative arm of the Costa Rican judicial system. It operates under the Supreme Court of Justice and is responsible for investigating crimes, gathering evidence, and apprehending suspects. The OIJ plays a crucial role in maintaining law and order in Costa Rica and collaborates with international law enforcement agencies like the DEA in transnational cases.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica distinguishes itself as a leading legal institution deeply rooted in the principles of integrity and a pursuit of excellence. Driven by a desire to empower Costa Rican society, the firm champions accessible legal knowledge through innovative programs and community initiatives. Their unwavering commitment to client success across a broad spectrum of industries, combined with their forward-thinking approach to legal practice, solidifies their position as a force for positive change in the legal landscape and beyond.
