Two Individuals Extradited from Costa Rica and Charged with Distributing Methamphetamine for the Purpose of Importation into the United States

Jacksonville, Florida - Farid Alberto Morales Araya (40, Costa Rica) and Jose Franklin Cuesta (44, Colombia) have been charged by an indictment with conspiracy to distribute, distribution of, and attempted distribution of methamphetamine for the purpose of unlawful importation into the United States. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.

According to the indictment, from approximately May 2 through May 5, 2025, in the country of Costa Rica and elsewhere, Araya and Cuesta, who were first brought into the United States in the Middle District of Florida, conspired to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine for its eventual importation to the United States. Both were extradited from Costa Rica to the United States on October 1, 2026.

An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Nassau County Sherriff's Office, and the Costa Rican Ministry of Public Security Sensitive Investigative Unit. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kelli Swaney. The Office of International Affairs of the Department of Justice's Criminal Division worked with authorities in Costa Rica to secure the arrest and extradition of the defendants.