Three Extradited to U.S. for Significant Cocaine Trafficking Charges

Three Mexican nationals have been extradited to the United States to face serious maritime narcotics trafficking charges. Miguel Ángel Campos-Barragán, Giovanni Vidrio-López, and Eustaquio Espinosa-Hernández were brought from Costa Rica to the Eastern District of Wisconsin, where they were indicted in May 2025. The charges stem from an alleged conspiracy to distribute a significant amount of cocaine.

The defendants made their initial appearance and arraignment on October 19 before U.S. Magistrate Judge Nancy Joseph in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Judge Joseph ordered that they be held in pre-trial detention.

Allegations and Seizure

According to the indictment, Campos-Barragán, Vidrio-López, and Espinosa-Hernández are accused of conspiring to possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine from January 2024 until April 15, 2025. On April 15, 2025, Costa Rican authorities intercepted the My Lisa Too, a U. S.

-flagged vessel, near Quepos, Costa Rica. Law enforcement seized approximately 840 kilograms of cocaine concealed within the vessel, and the three men, who were crew members, were arrested.

The charges against them are based on alleged violations of the Maritime Drug Law Enforcement Act (MDLEA). The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

International Cooperation and Enforcement

The extradition and charges are part of a broader effort by U. S. authorities to combat drug trafficking.

The DEA Milwaukee Field Office and the DEA San Jose, Costa Rica Country Office conducted the investigation, with support from the FBI’s Milwaukee Field Office. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs and Costa Rican government agencies, including the Policía de Control de Drogas and the Grupo de Operaciones Policiales Especiales del Servicio Nacional de Guardacostas, played crucial roles in securing the arrests and extraditions.

The U. S. Marshals Service also provided substantial assistance in returning the fugitives to the United States.

Assistant U. S. Attorney Robert J.

Brady, Jr. is prosecuting the case.

Broader Implications

First Assistant U. S. Attorney Brad Schimel highlighted the significance of this case, noting it as one of the largest drug seizures ever charged in the Eastern District of Wisconsin.

"This case demonstrates the incredible capabilities of U. S. authorities working in partnership with our counterparts in Central and South America," he stated.

The case is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative, which aims to eliminate criminal cartels and transnational criminal organizations. This initiative, established by Executive Order 14159, focuses on protecting the American people against various forms of criminal activity, including drug trafficking.

Special Agent in Charge Todd C. Smith of the DEA Chicago Field Division emphasized the commitment to pursuing those who traffic illicit drugs into the U.S., expressing gratitude for the partnerships with both domestic and foreign law enforcement agencies.

The next steps in the legal process for Campos-Barragán, Vidrio-López, and Espinosa-Hernández have not been announced, but they remain in custody as they await further court proceedings.