The latest development came after a judge in Limón determined that the United States had satisfied the conditions Costa Rican courts placed on Bell’s extradition. The ruling means his transfer can now proceed once Costa Rican and U.S. authorities agree on the date, flight and security arrangements. The Tribunal Penal de Limón initially rejected his extradition in March, largely because the alleged criminal activity occurred before Costa Rica amended its Constitution in May 2025 to permit the extradition of Costa Rican citizens accused of international drug trafficking or terrorism. At the airport, Costa Rican authorities will formally turn him over to U.S. agents under judicial supervision. The distinction is important because Costa Rica historically prohibited the extradition of its own citizens.