Menu
26/03/2009
UK's First Extradition From Colombia
The first Colombian national to be extradited from his home country to face trial in the UK arrived at Heathrow yesterday afternoon.
Officers from the Serious Organised Crime Agency escorted the unnamed man. They had flown to Colombia to take him into custody.
He was charged at Heathrow Police Station with 11 offences of money laundering linked to drug supply in the UK and was due to appear at the Central London Court today.
The case will be prosecuted by the Organised Crime Division of the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS).
This is believed to be the first time the UK's extradition treaty with Colombia, which was signed in 1888, has been used.
The development follows close working between SOCA, the Colombian authorities, and the CPS, which submitted and prepared the extradition documentation.
Director General of SOCA Bill Hughes said the move marks a noteworthy development in the fight against the illegal cocaine trade.
"The cocaine trade devastates communities here and in Colombia, and supports other criminal activity. SOCA is working on many levels to undermine that trade and put the UK drugs market under stress.
"Together with partners we are intercepting more drugs before they can reach the UK.
"We are targeting the producers of cutting agents - the chemical cocktails that adulterate street level drugs and increase profits but also risks to the health of users."
He concluded: "This first extradition marks a significant step forward for the UK and Colombia.
"Together we are squeezing the traffickers from both ends of the chain. The message to criminals is the targeting the UK is a high risk business and will not be tolerated."
(JM/BMcC)
Officers from the Serious Organised Crime Agency escorted the unnamed man. They had flown to Colombia to take him into custody.
He was charged at Heathrow Police Station with 11 offences of money laundering linked to drug supply in the UK and was due to appear at the Central London Court today.
The case will be prosecuted by the Organised Crime Division of the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS).
This is believed to be the first time the UK's extradition treaty with Colombia, which was signed in 1888, has been used.
The development follows close working between SOCA, the Colombian authorities, and the CPS, which submitted and prepared the extradition documentation.
Director General of SOCA Bill Hughes said the move marks a noteworthy development in the fight against the illegal cocaine trade.
"The cocaine trade devastates communities here and in Colombia, and supports other criminal activity. SOCA is working on many levels to undermine that trade and put the UK drugs market under stress.
"Together with partners we are intercepting more drugs before they can reach the UK.
"We are targeting the producers of cutting agents - the chemical cocktails that adulterate street level drugs and increase profits but also risks to the health of users."
He concluded: "This first extradition marks a significant step forward for the UK and Colombia.
"Together we are squeezing the traffickers from both ends of the chain. The message to criminals is the targeting the UK is a high risk business and will not be tolerated."
(JM/BMcC)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
28 April 2009
Britain Will Take Action To Prevent Swine Flu Spread, PM Says
Prime Minister Gordon Brown has vowed the Government will take "all the action necessary" to prevent the spread of swine flu. The PM made the pledge as the first British swine flu sufferers were today named today as Iain and Dawn Askham of Polmont, near Falkirk, who caught the disease on honeymoon in Cancun.
Britain Will Take Action To Prevent Swine Flu Spread, PM Says
Prime Minister Gordon Brown has vowed the Government will take "all the action necessary" to prevent the spread of swine flu. The PM made the pledge as the first British swine flu sufferers were today named today as Iain and Dawn Askham of Polmont, near Falkirk, who caught the disease on honeymoon in Cancun.
25 September 2015
Further Six Arrested In No Deal Operation In Birmingham
A further six people have been arrested as part of an ongoing operation targeting suspected drug dealers in Birmingham. Police carried out a series of dawn raids on Thursday 24 September, arresting a 17-year-old man, two 19-year-olds and three men aged 21, 26 and 47.
Further Six Arrested In No Deal Operation In Birmingham
A further six people have been arrested as part of an ongoing operation targeting suspected drug dealers in Birmingham. Police carried out a series of dawn raids on Thursday 24 September, arresting a 17-year-old man, two 19-year-olds and three men aged 21, 26 and 47.
17 October 2003
54 arrested in swoop on suspected drug dealers
Sellers of the Big Issue were among 54 people arrested by Merseyside Police today in a crackdown on drug dealing in Liverpool city centre. Operation Manton targeted suspected drug dealers and drug users and 50 men and four women were arrested following a 15-month long investigation by Merseyside Police into drug dealing on the city's streets.
54 arrested in swoop on suspected drug dealers
Sellers of the Big Issue were among 54 people arrested by Merseyside Police today in a crackdown on drug dealing in Liverpool city centre. Operation Manton targeted suspected drug dealers and drug users and 50 men and four women were arrested following a 15-month long investigation by Merseyside Police into drug dealing on the city's streets.
18 August 2004
Violence and drug trade threatens Afghan peace: Annan
The forthcoming elections - and lasting peace - in Afghanistan is being threatened by rising extremist violence, factionalism and the burgeoning illicit drug industry, Secretary-General Kofi Annan has said.
Violence and drug trade threatens Afghan peace: Annan
The forthcoming elections - and lasting peace - in Afghanistan is being threatened by rising extremist violence, factionalism and the burgeoning illicit drug industry, Secretary-General Kofi Annan has said.
03 October 2014
Prince Charles And Camilla To Visit Colombia And Mexico
The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall will make a nine day visit to Colombia and Mexico from 28 October to 5 November. Their Royal Highnesses' visit to both countries is at the request of the British Government, following invitations from President Juan Manuel Santos Calderón of Colombia and President Enrique Peña Nieto of Mexico.
Prince Charles And Camilla To Visit Colombia And Mexico
The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall will make a nine day visit to Colombia and Mexico from 28 October to 5 November. Their Royal Highnesses' visit to both countries is at the request of the British Government, following invitations from President Juan Manuel Santos Calderón of Colombia and President Enrique Peña Nieto of Mexico.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
