NI police arrest man wanted in Spain on drugs charges

Police in Northern Ireland have arrested a 39-year-old man who is wanted to stand trial in Spain on drugs charges.

Hassan Ibrahim Gomaa, an Egyptian national, has been charged with importing cannabis worth more than 20 million euro (£17.3 million) into Europe in 2013.

He was detained under the Extradition Act on Thursday in the Belfast Harbour area and was brought before an extradition court in Belfast on Friday.

Gomaa was remanded in custody following an appearance at Laganside Courthouse.

A spokesperson from the PSNI’s International Policing Unit said: “This arrest was as a result of our collaborative working with the National Crime Agency and the Belfast Harbour Police.

“The police service will continue to work with our international partners to identify and arrest those sought for arrest and extradition.

“Our message is clear – there is nowhere to hide in Northern Ireland, and that we will actively pursue all wanted persons believed to be in this jurisdiction.”