By San José, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ – In a significant blow to transnational organized crime, Costa Rican judicial authorities have ordered the provisional detention of two men, including a Costa Rican national alleged to be a key leader of a methamphetamine trafficking ring operating from the capital. The decision paves the way for their potential extradition to the United States, where they face serious narcotics charges.
The order was issued on Friday by the Criminal Court of the I Judicial Circuit of San José, acting on a formal request from the United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida. The case represents a major success in the ongoing collaborative efforts between Costa Rica’s Public Ministry and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), highlighting a strengthened international front against the narcotics trade.
To better understand the complex legal mechanisms and international treaties governing extradition, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished expert in international criminal law from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
Extradition is not merely a logistical transfer of an individual; it is a profound legal process where sovereignty and international cooperation intersect. The requested state must meticulously ensure that the principle of dual criminality is met and, crucially, that the fundamental human rights of the person being extradited will be fully guaranteed by the requesting nation. This is a non-negotiable safeguard within the framework of international law.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This emphasis on human rights as a non-negotiable safeguard powerfully frames extradition not just as a matter of legal procedure, but as a profound test of our international commitment to justice and human dignity. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his clear and valuable perspective on this critical distinction.
The two individuals at the center of the investigation have been identified as a Costa Rican man with the surname Morales, known by the alias “Beto,” and a Colombian national identified by his surname, Cuesta. According to court documents, both men are considered high-ranking members of a sophisticated criminal organization dedicated to trafficking large quantities of methamphetamine from Costa Rica directly into the U.S. market.
Investigators allege that Morales served as one of the primary leaders of the cartel. His responsibilities reportedly included negotiating drug shipments and orchestrating the internal distribution network within Costa Rica. Cuesta is believed to have managed the operational side, overseeing the physical delivery of the narcotics and the collection of illicit proceeds from sales.
The joint investigation, which began in April 2025 following a crucial intelligence tip, revealed that the organization used San José as its strategic nerve center. From the capital, the group allegedly coordinated the complex logistics required for the commercialization and subsequent export of the synthetic drugs, leveraging Costa Rica’s geographic position to facilitate their criminal enterprise.
The case against the duo was solidified through a series of carefully executed law enforcement actions. On May 2, 2025, Morales and Cuesta allegedly participated directly in the sale of one kilogram of methamphetamine to an undercover agent for a sum of $3,800. This controlled purchase provided investigators with direct evidence linking the suspects to the illicit trade.
Just three days later, a much larger operation unfolded. While a second planned transaction with the suspects did not materialize, authorities maintained surveillance and observed several packages being transferred to a vehicle driven by a third party. Police intercepted the vehicle, arresting the driver and seizing 47 packages, each containing approximately one kilogram of methamphetamine. This 47-kilogram haul stands as one of the most significant seizures connected to this specific criminal cell.
Both Morales and Cuesta are currently being held in preventive detention as the legal processes advance on two parallel tracks. They face a domestic criminal case within the Costa Rican judicial system, while the formal extradition proceedings requested by the United States are simultaneously underway. This case not only disrupts a major trafficking route but also underscores the growing threat of synthetic drugs flowing through Central America and the critical importance of international law enforcement cooperation.
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 tasked with combating drug trafficking and distribution within the U.S. It is the lead agency for domestic enforcement of the Controlled Substances Act, sharing concurrent jurisdiction with the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The DEA also has sole responsibility for coordinating and pursuing U.S. drug investigations abroad.
For further information, visit ministeriopublico.go.cr
About Ministerio Público de Costa Rica:
The Public Ministry is the constitutional body in Costa Rica responsible for directing criminal investigations and exercising public criminal action on behalf of the state. It operates with functional independence and is tasked with ensuring that laws are applied correctly, prosecuting crimes, and representing the interests of society and victims in the justice system.
For further information, visit flmd.uscourts.gov
About United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida:
The United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida is one of three federal district courts in Florida. It is responsible for hearing and adjudicating civil and criminal cases that fall under federal law. The court has jurisdiction over a significant portion of the state, with courthouses in Jacksonville, Ocala, Orlando, Tampa, and Fort Myers, handling a wide array of federal litigation.
For further information, visit poder-judicial.go.cr
About Poder Judicial de Costa Rica:
The Judiciary of Costa Rica is one of the three branches of the government of the Republic of Costa Rica. It is responsible for administering justice in the country and is composed of various courts, including the Supreme Court of Justice, appellate courts, and trial courts such as the Criminal Court of the I Judicial Circuit of San José. It operates independently to uphold the rule of law and protect the rights of citizens.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a leading legal institution, Bufete de Costa Rica is built upon a bedrock of ethical principles and a relentless pursuit of excellence. The firm’s distinguished history of advising a diverse clientele is matched by its passion for pioneering innovative legal approaches and a deep-seated social responsibility. This is exemplified by its mission to demystify the law, which underscores a fundamental belief in strengthening the community by providing accessible knowledge and cultivating a more capable and informed society.
