Published on Friday, May 16, 2025
By the A.M. Costa Rica staff

Costa Rica’s Congress overwhelmingly approved a new law Thursday permitting the extradition of Costa Rican nationals accused of drug trafficking or terrorism abroad. The measure passed with 45 votes in favor.

The final approval came during the fifth reading of Bill No. 23,701, which amends Article 32 of the Costa Rica Political Constitution. This change authorizes courts to extradite nationals to other countries that have issued international arrest warrants for these serious crimes.

The revised constitutional provision states: “No Costa Rican may be forced to leave the national territory, except in cases of international drug trafficking or terrorism, where extradition has been granted by the Courts of Justice, strictly respecting the fundamental rights and procedural guarantees recognized in this Constitution, international treaties, and laws.”

Following congressional approval, the bill will now be sent to President Rodrigo Chaves-Robles for his formal signature. Once signed, the amendment will become part of Costa Rica’s Political Constitution.

In related news, the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs recently offered a reward of up to $500,000 for information leading to the arrest or conviction of Alejandro Arias-Monge, known as “Diablo,” a Costa Rican national and the country’s most wanted fugitive.

Additionally, to further combat crime, President Chaves recently announced plans to build a new $35 million large-scale correctional facility.

The most recent extradition case involved two Mexican nationals wanted in the U.S. on drug trafficking and money laundering charges. They were deported following a joint operation by Costa Rican authorities, the DEA, and Interpol.

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