  In January, his alleged co-conspirator Lubo-Barros, living under an assumed identity, was arrested in Costa Rica at the request of the United States. - A.M. Costa Rica illustrative photo - Colombian with links in Costa Rica faces drug charges in the U.S. |
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Monday, March 8, 2021
By the A.M. Costa Rica wire services An attorney in Tampa, Florida announced the unsealing of an indictment charging a Colombian man surnamed Gomez-Lubo, 42, with conspiracy to distribute large amounts of cocaine knowingly intending it to be imported into the United States. According to court documents, beginning in approximately September 2017 and continuing through 2019, Gomez-Lubo was part of a transnational criminal conspiracy that transported cocaine directly from Colombia to the U.S., including Texas, California, Fort Lauderdale and Miami, Florida. In April 2018, an indictment was returned in the Middle District of Florida charging Gomez-Lubo and his alleged co-conspirator, a man surnamed Lubo-Barros, with conspiracy to distribute cocaine. Gomez-Lubo was arrested on September 1, 2019, as he arrived at Tocumen International Airport in Panama at the request of the United States. They sought his extradition, which Panama granted on February 4, 2021, by Presidential Executive Order. In January 2021, his alleged co-conspirator Lubo-Barros, living under an assumed identity, was arrested in Costa Rica at the request of the United States where he is currently pending extradition to. The U.S. Department of Justice did not provide more detailed information on Lubo-Barros detainment in Costa Rica.  An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty. If convicted on all counts, Gomez-Lubo faces a maximum penalty of life in federal prison, the U.S. Department of Justice said in its statement. This case was investigated by the United States Drug Enforcement Administration. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs of the Department’s Criminal Division provided significant support with the defendant’s extradition. ----------------------------- What have you heard about foreigners wanted by the U.S. hiding in Costa Rica? We would like to know your thoughts on this story. Send your comments to news@amcostarica.com         
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