Costa Rica Nears Extradition of Drug Trafficker Gilbert Bell Fernández to United States

The United States has delivered the final legal guarantees required for the extradition of Costa Rican businessman Gilbert Bell Fernández, known as “Macho Coca,” moving the transfer to New York closer to completion. The U.S. Embassy in Costa Rica provided assurances that the suspect will be tried only for the crime specified in the extradition request, that no life sentence or term exceeding 50 years will be sought, and that he will not be subjected to torture. While the U.S. did not expressly rule out the death penalty, it is not applicable to the charges outlined in the federal indictment.

Costa Rican authorities received the last required document – a letter of guarantees – on 31 July, confirming that the extradition process can proceed. Bell Fernández is alleged to have led a transnational organization that stored, distributed, and exported large shipments of cocaine between March 2022 and August 2023, using maritime routes from South America through Costa Rica to the United States and Europe. The case highlights ongoing cooperation between Costa Rica and the United States to combat organized crime.