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.
12 May 2004
Expanded UK Film Centre promotes UK industry at Cannes
The UK Film Centre, which promotes the UK film industry in the international marketplace, will be providing an expanded range of business services in its second year of operation at the world’s biggest film festival.
Expanded UK Film Centre promotes UK industry at Cannes
The UK Film Centre, which promotes the UK film industry in the international marketplace, will be providing an expanded range of business services in its second year of operation at the world’s biggest film festival.
19 May 2014
UK Drug Firm Rejects £65bn Takeover Offer
A "final" takeover offer from US drug giant Pfizer for UK company AstraZeneca has been rejected. The offer valued at the UK drug company at around £69 billion pounds, but AstraZeneca has said that the offer of £55 per share "undervalues the company and its attractive prospects".
UK Drug Firm Rejects £65bn Takeover Offer
A "final" takeover offer from US drug giant Pfizer for UK company AstraZeneca has been rejected. The offer valued at the UK drug company at around £69 billion pounds, but AstraZeneca has said that the offer of £55 per share "undervalues the company and its attractive prospects".
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:After a dry start this morning rain will spread from the northwest across all parts. This afternoon will be dull with some patchy rain and drizzle. Becoming much milder through the afternoon. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:A cloudy evening and night with a little light rain or drizzle, perhaps some clear periods developing along the east coast. A very mild night everywhere. Minimum temperature 10 °C.
