iPhone | iPad
Android
Huawei
Authorities urged people to wear face masks and glasses when doing outdoor activities
KT APPDOWNLOAD
UAE extradites alleged drug baron from Dubai to Belgium
The three cases which El Hajjioui is wanted for involved a 'massive importation' of cocaine into Europe, according to the Antwerp public prosecutor's office
One of Belgium's most-wanted suspected drug smugglers was extradited from Dubai on Friday, the Belgian justice ministry said.
Nordin El Hajjioui, a Belgian of Moroccan origin, is believed to be one of the main drug barons in Antwerp and is wanted in at least three cocaine-trafficking cases.
Emirati officials first arrested the 36-year-old in 2020 in Dubai after a request from Belgium but then released him. He was taken back into custody last year.
Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels.
He challenged his extradition in the courts but a top Emirati court gave the green light in early March.
Belgium's VRT channel said the suspect, known as "Big Nordin", was flown out on a plane specially chartered by Belgian authorities and was expected to land in Brussels late Friday.
The Antwerp public prosecutor's office told AFP the three cases which El Hajjioui is wanted for involved a "massive importation" of cocaine into Europe.
The port of Antwerp is the main European gateway for cocaine coming from Latin America.
Belgium signed an extradition agreement with the United Arab Emirates in December 2021.
Europe made a significant breakthrough in the fight against drug smuggling in 2021 after Belgium, working with French and Dutch police, cracked an encrypted communications network called Sky ECC that had been favoured by criminal gangs.
That trail led to suspects living in Dubai, leading to at least seven international arrest warrants being issued for them.
The first extradition from the UAE to Belgium was an Albanian trafficker in December 2023. Belgian authorities are still seeking the handover of some 20 more citizens, a source close to the mater said.
ALSO READ:
More news from World
The three-strong flotilla had been due to sail on Friday from ports in Turkey with more than 5,000 tonnes of aid on board
Cross-border shelling has killed at least 70 civilians, including children, rescue workers and journalists
Northeastern University in Boston says the action was taken after some protesters resorted to virulent anti-Semitic slurs
Alongside regional leaders, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken will attend the meetings
The Argentinian's beauty got many looking for the 'fountain of youth': She can't be that old, Netizens say
A plea moved in court stated that no one is permitted to wear the official state institution outfit
The ruins in the middle of Pantabangan Dam in Nueva Ecija province are a tourist draw, even as the region swelters in extreme heat
