A fugitive man (54) who must serve a long prison sentence for his role in international drug trafficking has been arrested. An investigation by the specialist team FastNL led to Slovakia. There, through close cooperation with the Slovak and Austrian police, the man was arrested on July 28.
On April 9, 2024, the man was sentenced by the Overijssel court in Zwolle to a (not yet final) prison sentence of over 8 years. He was a member of a criminal organization that was heavily involved in international drug trafficking. He played a leading role in the smuggling of cocaine in banana boxes, which were transported by ship from Colombia to Hamburg. The criminal organization was also involved in the trade of ketamine and MDMA.
The court had suspended the mans pre-trial detention. This meant he could await the verdict in his case in freedom. However, after the ruling, the man disappeared without a trace.
Cornered
Subsequently, a European Arrest Warrant (EAW) was issued against him. The specialist team FastNL (Fugitive Active Search Team) managed to trace the man in Slovakia. He attempted to flee by driving away, but the Slovak police managed to corner him and take him into custody. The Netherlands has requested his extradition.