Man to be extradited on heroin charge

An Irish aviation broker charged in connection with an alleged plot to smuggle heroin from the continent through Weston Airport…

An Irish aviation broker charged in connection with an alleged plot to smuggle heroin from the continent through Weston Airport in Dublin has consented to his extradition to Belgium, the High Court heard today.

Last September, Belgian police issued a European Arrest Warrant for John Kinsella in connection with the seizure on September 26th, 2005, of 50 kg of heroin worth an estimated €10m, at an airfield in Belgium. The heroin was on a plane bound for Ireland.

Mr Kinsella, (36), a father of three, of Johnstown, Navan, Co Meath who is a former national super heavyweight boxing champion, is charged in Ireland with conspiracy to import controlled drugs under the Misuse of Drugs Acts. He has been in custody here since September last year.

In court, counsel for Mr Kavanagh said he wished to consent to the order requesting his extradition to Belgium. He had been given legal advice and was fully aware of the consequences of his voluntary surrender to the authorities in Belgium.

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Counsel for the State asked the court for an adjournment of the proceedings so the Director of Public Prosecutions can be consulted. Domestic issues needed to be considered before any order in relation to Mr Kinsella's extradition can be made, counsel said.

Mr Justice Michael Peart put the matter back until Friday and remanded Mr Kinsella in custody.