After one attempt was shut down by a High Court judgment in September, the United States continues to push for the extradition of five men accused of taking part in an international drug smuggling ring.
Earl “Bob” Hodge, Chad Skelton, Carlston Beazer, Roberto Harrigan and Juan Valdez are currently on remand at Her Majesty’s Prison in Balsam Ghut, where they have remained since their arrests in 2010 and 2011.
In October, Crown prosecutors announced a fresh request for extradition proceedings and the introduction of new evidence. The five men are currently seeking judicial review to challenge the new request, though the case hit another speed bump during a hearing Thursday, when overseas lawyers involved in the case were unable to attend.
With much reluctance, High Court Justice Vicki Ann Ellis adjourned a hearing that would have decided whether or not the accused have grounds to seek judicial review.
See the Feb. 7, 2013 edition for full coverage.