Costa Rica Extradites Two Alleged Gulf Clan Traffickers To U.S.
Costa Rica extradited Gilbert "Macho Coca" Bell Fernandez and Gabriel "Compadre" Lozano Bonilla to New York to face U.S. federal charges on Thursday, August 13, 2026.[1]
The U.S. Treasury sanctioned Bell Fernandez in 2023 as one of Costa Rica's biggest traffickers, citing both the volume of cocaine he moves and associated violence.[1] Costa Rican Attorney General Carlo Diaz said the Drug Enforcement Administration links both men to Colombia's Gulf Clan, which Washington has designated a Foreign Terrorist Organization for cocaine trafficking to the United States.[1]
Gabriel Lozano Bonilla, who is a naturalized Costa Rican, is also accused of facilitating liquid cocaine shipments bound for Europe and Asia.[1]
Costa Rica began allowing extraditions under a 2025 constitutional reform and has already transferred several high-profile suspects to the United States, including former security minister Celso Gamboa.[1] The moves reflect an expanded willingness by Costa Rican authorities to cooperate with U.S. efforts against transnational drug networks.
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📌 Key Facts
- On Thursday, August 13, 2026, Costa Rica extradited Gilbert "Macho Coca" Bell Fernandez and Gabriel "Compadre" Lozano Bonilla to New York to stand trial in U.S. federal court.
- The U.S. Treasury Department sanctioned Bell Fernandez in 2023 as one of Costa Rica's biggest traffickers, citing both the volume of cocaine he moves and associated violence.
- Costa Rican Attorney General Carlo Diaz said the DEA links both men to Colombia's Gulf Clan cartel, which Washington has designated a Foreign Terrorist Organization for cocaine trafficking to the U.S.
- Lozano Bonilla, a naturalized Costa Rican, is also allegedly tied to liquid cocaine shipments to Europe and Asia.
- Costa Rica began allowing extraditions under a 2025 constitutional reform and has already sent several high-profile suspects, including former security minister Celso Gamboa, to the United States.
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