Top Drug Trafficker "Macho Coca" and Cartel Member "Compadre" Extradited to U.S. From Costa Rica
The men are accused of leading cocaine trafficking networks that moved shipments from Costa Rica to the United States, prosecutors said.
- On Thursday, Costa Rica extradited Gilbert Bell Fernandez and Gabriel Lozano Bonilla to the United States to face federal drug trafficking charges in New York aboard a U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration aircraft.
- Extraditions of citizens became possible following a 2025 constitutional reform promoted by former President Rodrigo Chaves; Costa Rica, a nation of 5.2 million, has since surrendered five alleged traffickers to foreign courts.
- Costa Rican Attorney General Carlo Diaz said the men allegedly trafficked cocaine for the Colombian Gulf Clan, a group Washington labels a Foreign Terrorist Organization, while prosecutors claim Fernandez led operations shipping large quantities of cocaine to American territory.
- Before departing, Fernandez alleged he suffered mistreatment while detained at the La Reforma prison complex, stating, "I thank the United States for taking me out of this country. They are saving my life."
- Roughly 20 more individuals remain in Costa Rican custody awaiting transfer to foreign courts, with the vast majority of pending cases involving requests from the United States to prosecute suspected narcotics traffickers.
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Costa Rican businessman Gilbert Bell Fernández, alias "Macho Coca", and Colombian Gabriel Lozano Bonilla, known as "Compadre", were sent to NY
For years, Gilbert Bell Fernández, alias Macho Coca, was pointed out for drug trafficking and fuel theft, but never convicted in Costa Rica. This Thursday he was extradited to the United States, where he will have to answer for drug trafficking.
Costa Rica Extradites Notorious Drug Traffickers to U.S.
Costa Rica has extradited two alleged drug traffickers, Gilbert 'Macho Coca' Bell Fernandez and Gabriel 'Compadre' Lozano, to the U.S. to face charges. The extradition is part of international cooperation to combat drug trafficking. Costa Rica has seen increased violence tied to drug groups.
Costa Rica Hands Macho Coca and Compadre to US Agents in New York Cases : The Tico Times | Costa Rica News
Costa Rica surrendered two men wanted on United States drug trafficking charges to American agents on this morning, closing extradition proceedings that had run for months and opening a fresh dispute over conditions inside the maximum-security prison. Gilbert Bell Fernández, known as “Macho Coca,” and Gabriel Lozano Bonilla, known as “Compadre,” left Juan Santamaría International […] The post Costa Rica Hands Macho Coca and Compadre to US Agents…
Costa Rica extradites two alleged drug traffickers to the US
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