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Costa Rica Extradites Ex-Top Judge Celso Gamboa to U.S. in First Transfer of a National

The transfer follows a 2025 reform that permits extraditing Costa Rican nationals under penalties capped at 50 years.

Celso Gamboa, Costa Rica’s former security minister and ex-magistrate, leaves the court after Costa Rica’s judiciary authorized his extradition to the United States on drug trafficking and conspiracy charges, in San Jose, Costa Rica October 7, 2025. REUTERS/Stringer/File Photo
A US Drug Enforcement Administration plane takes off during the extradition operation to transport Costa Rica's former security minister Celso Gamboa, who is accused of drug trafficking

Overview

  • U.S. agents took custody of Gamboa at Juan Santamaría International Airport during a large security operation.
  • Gamboa and alleged trafficker Edwin Lopez Vega were flown on a DEA-escorted plane to Texas to face U.S. drug-trafficking charges.
  • U.S. prosecutors allege Gamboa helped move significant quantities of cocaine through Costa Rica into the United States.
  • Costa Rican courts rejected Gamboa’s last-minute legal appeals to stop the handover.
  • Gamboa denies wrongdoing and has suggested he could provide information on figures in the current executive branch if given safety assurances.