13 h. ago Former Costa Rican Minister Indicted in US on Drug Trafficking Charges

Celso Manuel Gamboa Sánchez, once a top Costa Rican security minister and judge, now sits in a maximum-security prison cell awaiting possible extradition to the United States. Authorities there have charged him with helping international drug networks move massive amounts of cocaine through Costa Rica and into the U.S. for sale. A federal grand jury […] The post Former Costa Rican Minister Indicted in US on Drug Trafficking Charges appeared first on The Tico Times | Costa Rica News | Travel | Real Estate.

Politics

3 d. ago Costa Rica Loses Ocean Award Amid Shark Conservation Controversy

Following recent statements by Costa Rica’s Minister of Environment, Franz Tattenbach, international organizations Fins Attached and Marine Watch International, in association with the Rob Stewart Sharkwater Foundation, have announced the revocation of the 2024 Oceans Advocate Rob Stewart Award, which had been presented to Costa Rica in November of last year. The decision follows Tattenbach’s […] The post Costa Rica Loses Ocean Award Amid Shark Conservation Controversy appeared first on The Tico Times | Costa Rica News | Travel | Real Estate.

Events

3 d. ago Costa Rica Minister Slams NGO “Blackmail” Following Ocean Award

Last November, Costa Rica received the 2024 Oceans Advocate Rob Stewart Award at the annual “Save Our Oceans” gala, organized by Fins Attached in Denver, Colorado. The event brought together conservationists, scientists, and supporters to promote ocean protection, with notable attendees including astronaut Michael Gernhardt, marine biologist James Sulikowski, and Costa Rica’s Environment Minister Franz […] The post Costa Rica Minister Slams NGO “Blackmail” Following Ocean Award appeared first on The Tico Times | Costa Rica News | Travel | Real Estate.

Politics

2 w. ago Celso Gamboa Allegedly Ran Drug Ring with Costa Rican Government Ties

Celso Gamboa, once Costa Rica’s Security Minister and a Supreme Court judge, now faces extradition to the U.S. for leading a major cocaine trafficking network. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) alleges Gamboa coordinated shipments across Central America, Colombia, and Mexico, and shockingly claimed government backing to pull it off. Arrested in San José yesterday, […] The post Celso Gamboa Allegedly Ran Drug Ring with Costa Rican Government Ties appeared first on The Tico Times | Costa Rica News | Travel | Real Estate.

Politics

2 w. ago Former Costa Rican Minister Arrested for Drug Trafficking, Faces U.S. Extradition

Costa Rica’s judicial police arrested Celso Gamboa, a former security minister and Supreme Court judge, on Monday, following a U.S. request for his extradition on drug trafficking charges. The 49-year-old was detained in San Jose, marking a significant moment for the country’s fight against organized crime. This arrest comes just weeks after Costa Rica passed […] The post Former Costa Rican Minister Arrested for Drug Trafficking, Faces U.S. Extradition appeared first on The Tico Times | Costa Rica News | Travel | Real Estate.

Politics

3 w. ago Costa Rica’s Tourism Minister Denies Crisis Despite Falling Visitor Numbers

Costa Rica’s Tourism Minister, William Rodríguez, is pushing back against claims that the country’s tourism sector is in trouble. Speaking to the Legislative Assembly’s Tourism Commission, Rodríguez said, “We’re dealing with a challenge, not a crisis.” But business owners and industry leaders aren’t buying it, warning that declining visitor numbers and rising costs are hitting […] The post Costa Rica’s Tourism Minister Denies Crisis Despite Falling Visitor Numbers appeared first on The Tico Times | Costa Rica News | Travel | Real Estate.

Politics

3 w. ago Costa Rica’s Tourism Minister Dismisses Crime and Currency Concerns

Tourism Minister William Rodríguez López addressed growing concerns about crime and the strengthening colón’s impact on Costa Rica’s tourism industry, asserting that these issues are not scaring off international visitors. Speaking at a June 16, 2025, press conference, Rodríguez cited data from the Costa Rican Tourism Institute (ICT) to counter fears raised by business owners […] The post Costa Rica’s Tourism Minister Dismisses Crime and Currency Concerns appeared first on The Tico Times | Costa Rica News | Travel | Real Estate.

Politics

4 w. ago Foreign Minister Valtonen to meet ministers from Kenya, Benin, Costa Rica and Thailand

Foreign Minister Valtonen to meet ministers from Kenya, Benin, Costa Rica and Thailand  ZAWYA

Politics