An Egyptian man living in Dublin, and wanted for trial in Spain on major drugs charges, has appeared in an extradition court in Belfast after being detained in the city last night.
Hassan Ebrahim Gomaa was stopped by the PSNI at Belfast Harbour under the Extradition Act.
He was taken into custody at a ferry terminal.
The court was told that police body cam footage had recorded Mr Gomaa confirming his identity and that he was aware of the allegations contained in the extradition warrant.
He is wanted for trial in Spain accused of importing €20 million worth of cannabis into Europe in 2013.
He was brought before an extradition court in Belfast’s Laganside court complex this afternoon.
Sergeant Davey of the PSNI’s International Policing Unit said the arrest had been as a result of collaborative working with the National Crime Agency and Belfast Harbour Police.
A prosecutor told the court that the drugs charges related to a conspiracy by an international criminal network to bring a large quantity of hashish from Morocco into Europe.
The plot was foiled when the ship with the drugs on board was intercepted.
A defence solicitor said his client was resident in Dublin but he did not have an address to furnish to the court.
He said there would be no application for bail at this point and that his client did not consent to extradition.
The prosecution said if bail were to be applied for, it would be opposed.
Mr Gomma was remanded in custody to appear again on 12 January, 2024.
