A court in Haskovo has ordered a 34-year-old Dutchman held in custody. He is wanted under a European arrest warrant over five offences involving drugs and firearms.
Border police stopped the man on 24 October at the Kapitan Andreevo crossing as he entered Bulgaria from Turkey. Dutch authorities had put him on an international wanted list.
The District Court in The Hague issued the warrant so that he can stand trial. It lists drug possession and distribution, preparing for illegal drug trafficking, and dealing in firearms. Under Dutch law, these offences carry up to 8 years and up to 6 years in prison respectively.
The Haskovo judges reviewed the warrant and found that it meets the legal requirements. They also found that the acts it describes are crimes under Bulgaria's Criminal Code too.
The judges said there is no sign the man is likely to commit a crime in Bulgaria. But they said the risk that he will flee is high, because he was detained by chance as he entered the country. They said custody is needed so he can take part in the proceedings to hand him over to the Dutch authorities.
The ruling can be appealed or challenged before the Court of Appeal in Plovdiv within three days of being issued.