Costa Rica Extradites Citizens to US for First Time in Landmark Move

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San José: Costa Rica has extradited its own citizens to the United States for the first time in its history, marking a major shift in its legal and security policies.

Among those extradited on Friday was Celso Gamboa, a former Supreme Court justice and deputy attorney general, along with alleged accomplice Edwin Lopez Vega, a suspected drug trafficker.

The move follows a 2025 constitutional amendment backed by President Rodrigo Chaves Robles, which lifted a longstanding ban on extraditing Costa Rican nationals. The reform allows extradition in cases involving drug trafficking and terrorism, while prohibiting transfers where suspects could face the death penalty or prison terms exceeding 50 years.

Attorney General Carlo Diaz described the development as a “historic day,” saying it sends a strong message that nationality cannot be used to evade justice.

Gamboa and Lopez Vega were placed on a Texas-bound flight from Juan Santamaría International Airport after being arrested on drug-trafficking and conspiracy charges. US authorities allege Gamboa used his government connections to access sensitive information and pass it on to criminal networks.

If convicted, the two face a minimum sentence of 10 years in prison.

Supporters of the reform say the measure is necessary to tackle rising organised crime and corruption, while critics argue it exposes citizens to foreign legal systems without addressing the root causes of crime.

The decision reflects a broader trend across Latin America, with countries such as Ecuador also moving to allow extraditions as part of efforts to combat organised crime.

The move also highlights strengthening ties between Costa Rica and the United States under President Donald Trump, particularly on security and law enforcement cooperation.