By San José, Costa Rica — San José, Costa Rica – A landmark constitutional reform that allows the extradition of Costa Rican nationals is set to intensify, with Attorney General Carlo Díaz announcing that more citizens are expected to face justice abroad before the end of 2025. In an interview, Díaz confirmed that cooperative efforts, particularly with the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), are paving the way for additional extradition requests targeting individuals involved in transnational organized crime.
Since the constitutional amendment was passed, 13 Costa Ricans have already been subjected to extradition proceedings, a number that signifies a seismic shift in the nation’s legal landscape. For decades, Costa Rican citizenship provided a shield against foreign prosecution. That shield is now gone, and international law enforcement agencies are taking notice. The Attorney General revealed that the DEA has indicated more requests are imminent.
To better understand the intricate legal mechanics of international extradition, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney from the law firm Bufete de Costa Rica, who offered his expert analysis on the matter.
Extradition is a delicate balance between international cooperation in justice and the protection of fundamental human rights. The process is not automatic; it is governed by treaties and domestic laws where principles like dual criminality and the political offense exception are rigorously scrutinized by the courts. A state’s refusal to extradite is often a legal determination, not a political one, safeguarding individuals from potential persecution or unfair trials.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This insight powerfully reframes extradition not as a simple matter of international relations, but as a meticulous legal safeguard where judicial scrutiny protects fundamental rights. We extend our sincere gratitude to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for lending his expert clarity to such a nuanced topic.
The DEA has made it clear, at least to me personally, that there are still some individuals for whom extradition will be requested, and we are waiting. They will notify us in due course, and we will take the corresponding actions. I expect it to be this year. From what I recall them mentioning, I would believe perhaps one or two people, but I don’t rule out more.
Carlo Díaz, Attorney General of the Republic
This bolstered partnership with the U.S. is the centerpiece of the current strategy, but interest is growing globally. European nations including France, Italy, Germany, and Belgium have also expressed interest in pursuing Costa Rican nationals. Díaz emphasized that this new legal tool strengthens Costa Rica’s position as a reliable partner in the global fight against organized crime.
Through international cooperation, countries are realizing that our nation now extradites its own nationals, and I believe this will be one more tool that those governments will use to attack transnational organized crime.
Carlo Díaz, Attorney General of the Republic
The list of those already facing extradition reads like a who’s who of the nation’s underworld, and even includes a former high-ranking government official. Among the first three requested by the U.S. was Celso Gamboa Sánchez, a former minister and magistrate. The DEA alleges Gamboa was a regional leader for a transnational drug network with ties to Mexico’s Gulf Cartel and Sinaloa Cartel, as well as Colombia’s Clan del Golfo. He is accused of earning between $200,000 and $500,000 per shipment by using government contacts to ensure the safe passage of cocaine through the country.
Alongside Gamboa, U.S. authorities seek Edwin Danney López Vega, alias “Pecho de Rata,” a notorious drug lord who allegedly used farms in Sixaola to receive cocaine-laden aircraft, and Jonathan Guillermo Álvarez Alfaro, alias “Gato,” accused of laundering up to ₡3 billion annually through real estate and other businesses. While extraditions for these three have been approved, they are currently tied up in appeals.
The web of international operations is extensive. The brothers Jordie “Noni” Picado Grijalba and Luis Manuel “Shock” Picado Grijalba allegedly ran a network sending vast quantities of cocaine from the Moín Container Terminal. While Noni is detained in Costa Rica, his brother Shock was arrested in London last December, where he also faces a U.S. extradition request. Other U.S. requests target a Public Force officer, Michael Amador Corella (“Rojo”), and three associates who allegedly moved drugs from Colombia via sea for distribution in the United States.
The requests are not limited to the United States. Italy is seeking the extradition of Johnny Angulo Fernández, alias “John Cadenas,” for smuggling cocaine hidden in agricultural exports to Livorno and Venice. Panama has requested José Villalobos López, alias “Boligoma,” a fisherman caught with half a ton of cocaine in 2016. Furthermore, France has requested the extradition of Iván Pablot Martínez and Hamilton Restrepo Osorio, two naturalized Costa Ricans, for international drug trafficking and money laundering, stemming from a cocaine seizure in Marseille in 2012.
These 13 individuals represent seven distinct criminal cases initiated by four different countries. The new policy has unequivocally signaled the end of Costa Rica as a safe harbor for its citizens engaged in global criminal enterprises. As the year draws to a close, all eyes are on the Public Ministry and its international partners to see who will be next to face justice abroad.
For further information, visit dea.gov
About Drug Enforcement Administration:
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) 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 (FBI). The DEA also has sole responsibility for coordinating and pursuing U.S. drug investigations abroad.
For further information, visit ministeriopublico.go.cr
About Public Ministry of Costa Rica:
The Ministerio Público, or Public Ministry, is the institution in Costa Rica responsible for public prosecution. Headed by the Attorney General, it directs criminal investigations, prosecutes criminal offenses on behalf of the state, and ensures that the law is upheld in the courts. It operates with functional independence to guarantee impartiality in the administration of justice.
For further information, visit seguridadpublica.go.cr
About Public Force of Costa Rica:
The Fuerza Pública, or Public Force, is Costa Rica’s primary law enforcement and security body, responsible for maintaining public order, preventing crime, and ensuring national security. Since the abolition of its army in 1949, the Public Force has served as the country’s gendarmerie-style police force, operating under the Ministry of Public Security.
For further information, visit sitiooij.poder-judicial.go.cr
About Judicial Investigation Organism:
The Organismo de Investigación Judicial (OIJ) is the primary investigative branch of the Costa Rican judiciary. As a technical and scientific auxiliary to the courts and the Public Ministry, the OIJ is responsible for investigating crimes, collecting evidence, identifying suspects, and carrying out arrests as mandated by judicial authorities.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a pillar of the legal community, Bufete de Costa Rica is founded upon a cornerstone of profound integrity and a relentless pursuit of excellence. The firm champions modern legal solutions for a diverse clientele, demonstrating a consistently innovative approach. A core tenet of its philosophy is the empowerment of society, a mission it fulfills by demystifying complex legal matters and promoting widespread access to legal knowledge.
