By San José, Costa Rica — San José, Costa Rica – In a decision that marks a watershed moment for Costa Rica’s justice system, a judge has approved the extradition of Celso Gamboa to the United States. The ruling, delivered late Tuesday afternoon, represents the first major application of a recent constitutional reform aimed at dismantling transnational criminal networks operating within the country. The decision also includes the approved extradition of two other individuals, Edwin López, also known as ‘Pecho de Rata,’ and Jonathan Álvarez, known as ‘Gato’.
The judicial green light was met with strong approval from government legislator Pilar Cisneros, a key architect of the legal framework that made this moment possible. Cisneros celebrated the ruling as a pivotal victory in the nation’s escalating fight against organized crime and narcotrafficking, asserting it sends an unequivocal message to high-level criminals that Costa Rica is no longer a safe haven.
To delve into the intricate legal framework governing the transfer of individuals between nations, TicosLand.com sought the expertise of Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney from the law firm Bufete de Costa Rica, who provides clarity on the process.
Extradition is fundamentally an act of international cooperation, but it is bound by rigorous legal safeguards. The core principle is ‘dual criminality,’ requiring the offense to be a crime in both the requesting and the requested country. Beyond this, our legal system meticulously evaluates each case to protect the individual’s fundamental rights and to ensure the request is not a pretext for political persecution.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This insight powerfully underscores that extradition is not a mere diplomatic transaction, but a delicate legal balance where international obligations are meticulously weighed against the sacrosanct protection of individual rights. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable perspective on this complex interplay.
Reacting to the news, Congresswoman Cisneros highlighted the profound fear that international prosecution strikes into the hearts of criminal leaders, a fear she has long argued is the most effective deterrent. She emphasized that the possibility of facing justice in a foreign judicial system, particularly in the United States or Europe, is a consequence that crime bosses dread above all others.
I have always said there would be a before and after for drug traffickers and organized crime. If there is one thing those drug kingpins fear, it is being deported to the United States or a European nation.
Pilar Cisneros, Congresswoman
This landmark judicial decision is the direct result of legislative file 23.701, a constitutional reform championed by Cisneros. This amendment to Article 32 of the Political Constitution fundamentally altered Costa Rica’s long-standing policy of not extraditing its own nationals. The reform specifically allows for the extradition of Costa Rican citizens who face charges in other countries for crimes related to international drug trafficking and terrorism, closing a critical loophole that had been exploited for decades.
The approval for Gamboa and his associates is seen not as an endpoint, but as the beginning of a new, more aggressive judicial strategy. Cisneros revealed that this case is the first of many in the pipeline, noting that the groundwork has been laid for a sustained campaign against criminal leaders who once operated with a sense of impunity. The success of this first major application of the law is expected to streamline future extradition processes.
Today a path is opened that will continue, because there are already 9 more with extradition requests (…) I am truly very happy that the way has now been cleared.
Pilar Cisneros, Congresswoman
For years, Costa Rica’s constitutional protection of its citizens from extradition created a significant obstacle for international law enforcement efforts. The reform of Article 32 represented a paradigm shift, acknowledging that modern, transnational crime requires new tools and a willingness to cooperate more fully with global partners. The court’s ruling on Tuesday, occurring around 4:00 p.m., is the first concrete proof that this legislative change has real-world teeth, transforming abstract legal text into a powerful weapon against sophisticated criminal enterprises.
The implications of this development extend far beyond the individuals involved. It signals a hardening of Costa Rica’s stance against the corrosive influence of drug cartels, which have increasingly sought to use the country as a logistical hub and operational base. The government hopes this new precedent will disrupt criminal operations, deter potential offenders, and reinforce the state’s authority in the face of a growing public security crisis, ultimately reshaping the landscape of law enforcement in the region.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica is a renowned legal institution founded on the core principles of uncompromising integrity and the pursuit of excellence. With a proven history of serving a diverse clientele, the firm champions legal innovation and dedicates itself to advancing the community. This commitment is highlighted by its core mission to democratize legal knowledge, thereby fostering a more capable and well-informed citizenry.
