Published on Tuesday, October 7, 2025
By the A.M. Costa Rica staff

The San José Criminal Court on Tuesday approved the extradition of three Costa Rican nationals to the United States, marking the first time in Costa Rican history that citizens will be extradited.

The suspects identified as Celso Manuel Gamboa-Sánchez (a former government official and a former judge), Edwin Danney López-Vega, and Jonathan Álvarez-Alfaro, face federal drug trafficking charges in the Eastern District of Dallas, Texas, U.S.

In August, the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) designated these three individuals for their involvement in narcotics trafficking and money laundering.

According to the indictment, the suspects conspired with international drug traffickers to manufacture, distribute, and transport large quantities of cocaine, much of which passed through Costa Rica before being sent to the United States for further distribution.

The extradition follows a coordinated investigation involving the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) San José Country Office, the DEA Dallas Field Office, and Costa Rica’s Office of the Attorney General.

Additionally, Wesley Wynne, a federal prosecutor from the Eastern District of Texas, traveled to Costa Rica to meet with authorities and the individuals facing extradition.

The court’s decision could still be appealed by the defendants’ attorneys within three days. Until the ruling becomes final, the three individuals remain eligible for extradition to the U.S.

The extradition comes after a legal amendment that took effect in May 2025, which allows Costa Rican citizens, by birth or naturalization, to be extradited to countries with which Costa Rica has established treaties.

This case reflects a recent uptick in Costa Ricans detained at the request of U.S. authorities. Last week, the U.S. Department of Justice requested the extradition of three foreign nationals arrested in Costa Rica on international drug trafficking charges.

The Judicial Investigation Organization (OIJ) is encouraging the public to report individuals who may be subject to international arrest. Confidential tips can be submitted by calling the 10-digit hotline at 800-8000-645 or the quick line at 11-76. Bilingual agents are available in both English and Spanish.

The OIJ, a division of the Supreme Court of Justice, is responsible for conducting criminal investigations and holds nationwide police authority.

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