Dutch seek extradition of Irishman

The Dutch are seeking the extradition of an Irish man wanted on charges attempting to traffic heroin and cannabis from The Netherlands to Ireland.

The Dutch are seeking the surrender of Martin Spencer (aged 43) with an address at Brabazon Links, Bettystown, Co Meath, so that he can stand trial on charges of the illegal traffic of controlled drugs and psychotropic substances.

In a European Arrest Warrant seeking Mr Spencer's extradition it is alleged that Mr Spencer and others had in his possession 14kg of heroin and 5kg of cannabis at Amsterdam on August 15, 2008 which it was intended to be trafficked to Ireland.

It is also claimed that Mr Spencer role in the trafficking was observed by a Dutch undercover agent, during the course of a surveillance operation carried out by the Dutch police.

A number of co-accused were due to go on trial in The Netherlands for the offences last November. If convicted Mr Spencer could face up to 12 years in prison.

Today at the High Court Mr Justice Michael Peart further remanded Mr Spencer in custody to a sitting of the court next week.

Last month Mr Spencer was remanded in custody to Cloverhill following his arrest by members of the Garda extradition unit, and brought before the High Court on foot of an EAW that had previously been endorsed by the court.