High Court fixes extradition-hearing date in multi-million pound drugs case

The High Court has fixed a date in the New Year to hear extradition proceedings against a British national arrested in connection with a conspiracy to import cocaine and cannabis worth millions of pounds in to the United Kingdom.

Philip Michael Baron (aged 55), of Bawnogues, New Road, Straffan, Co Kildare is wanted by British authorities to face four charges relating to money-laundering and the conspiracy to import 39 tonnes of drugs to the UK from South Africa and Costa Rica between 2005 and 2009.

He was arrested at his home close to the K Club in Co Kildare in May on foot of a European Arrest Warrant.

The former hotelier was refused bail in June after the High Court found that there had been an “evidential deficit” in the submissions made on his behalf.

Mr Justice Eamon deValera remanded Mr Baron in custody to appear before the extradition court on January 13, 2012 for hearing.