Gilberth Bell Fernández pleads not guilty to drug trafficking in U.S. court

Costa Rican drug trafficker Gilberth Bell Fernández, known as ‘Macho Coca’, pleaded not guilty to international drug trafficking charges during a hearing at the Thurgood Marshall Federal Court in Lower Manhattan, New York.

Bell Fernández was extradited from Costa Rica to the United States on August 13. During the proceedings, the prosecution indicated that evidence against him includes reports from the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and recorded telephone conversations in Spanish. The prosecution has committed to providing this evidence to the defense within 30 days.

The defense requested additional time to review the materials, citing upcoming unavailability. Although the judge questioned the necessity of a ten-week delay, the request was granted. A follow-up hearing is scheduled for December 4 at 9:30 a.m., where the court is expected to set a trial date and a schedule for motions.