Q COSTA RICA — Former magistrate and minister, Celso Gamboa, currently detained and facing extradition on allegations of being a drug trafficking kingpin in Central America—based on two complaints from the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)—shocked many by claiming to be battling cancer and mental health issues.
On his third day in detention (he was arrested on Monday), awaiting a decision on his possible extradition to the United States.
In a court document, the former prosecutor, former minister of security in one government, former vice-minister of security in another, and former director of the DIS, Costa Rica’s intelligence service, magistrate of the Third Chamber of the Supremse Court, and Deputy Attorney General, alleges a series of conditions:
– Advertisement –
- Colon cancer
- Celiac disease
- Skin cancer
- Personality disorder
- Anxiety
- Duodenal ulcers
- Stomach problems due to gastritis
- Insomnia
- Depressive disorder
- Giulán Barret disorder
In the request, he added that he “takes medication for all his ailments” and requires a special diet.
Finally, he stated that for this reason, he is requesting a transfer to another prison, also taking into account his professional background.
“He hereby requests that for his safety, he be transferred to the Centro de Atención Institucional (CAI) Jorge Debravo, in light of his former duties,” the document adds.
Celso Gamboa served as prosecutor, deputy minister, and later Minister of Security, director of the Intelligence and Security Directorate, and magistrate of the Third Chamber of the Court.
The Judiciary confirmed that Gamboa made the request.
– Advertisement –
Gamboa is ordered to two months’ imprisonment
On Monday, Celso Gamboa became the first person arrested for extradition purposes, along with a man named López known as “Rat Chest.”
According to the Organismo de Investigación Judicial (OIJ), the request for the detentions was made by a Texas court for alleged international drug trafficking activities, following extensive investigations by the DEA.
– Advertisement –
“The DEA profiles the former prosecutor as a regional leader of the Gulf Cartel, one of the oldest transnational criminal organizations in Mexico, dedicated to large-scale drug trafficking,” Crhoy.com reported.
The investigation would give him a significant profile and connections to other groups.
“His role was as a leader or representative of the Cartel with influence in Guatemala, Honduras, Panama, and other locations. Allegedly, the lawyer coordinated the acquisition of cocaine directly with the Clan del Golfo de Colombia (CDG),” Crhoy.com states, according to the information obtained.
Finally, it attributes other alleged international logistical functions.
“According to the DEA, Celso Gamboa had connections with members of that group and other drug traffickers, both Colombian and Panamanian, to ensure he acquired the illicit product. He then worked with other partners within Costa Rica to deliver and store the drugs. They were subsequently distributed from Honduras and Guatemala to Mexico and the United States,” they conclude.
To this, they also add a possible relationship with another Honduran group, which ended with his accusations toward the United States.
Regarding Gamboa’s role, they maintain that it apparently “extended from Colombia and reached northern countries like Mexico and the United States, passing through Central America.”
Gamboa’s profile is highly public given the variety of positions he has held in recent years.
During Laura Chinchilla’s administration, he served as Deputy Minister of Security and Director of Intelligence. With the arrival of Luis Guillermo Solís, he rose to Minister.
From there, he moved to the Prosecutor’s Office as second-in-command and in 2016 crowned his career with his election as Magistrate of the Supreme Court. He held that position until 2018, when he was dismissed amid the “Cementazo” corruption scandal.
– Advertisement –
Source link
Rico
