Haskovo District Court has approved the handover of a 34-year-old Dutchman, identified by the initials V.A., to the Netherlands, the court said. On Tuesday, 3 November, it ruled that a European arrest warrant issued against him can be carried out.

The man was detained on 24 October at the Kapitan Andreevo border crossing in Svilengrad municipality as he entered Bulgaria from Turkey. On Wednesday, 28 October, the same court ordered him to stay in custody.

How it all started: Haskovo court keeps Dutchman wanted over drugs and weapons in jail

The District Court in The Hague issued the warrant so that V.A. can face a criminal trial. He faces five charges: possession and distribution of drugs, preparing for illegal drug trafficking, and possession of and/or trading in firearms. Dutch authorities have put him on an international wanted list.

The offences carry prison terms of 8 and 6 years respectively.

The court said the warrant meets the requirements of Article 37 of the Law on Extradition and the European Arrest Warrant and its annex. After weighing the evidence and the views of both sides, it found the request justified.

He will stay in custody until he is handed over to the Dutch judicial authorities. The decision cannot be appealed.