Magistrate rules that Hertular be extradited

Accused drug runner Robert Hertular came one-step closer to Riker’s Island today as Chief Magistrate Herbert Lord ruled that he be extradited to face charges in New York. In making his ruling Lord pointed out that extradition is a matter of honour between two nations and it is not for him to try the case on its merits in Belize as that process will take place in the United States. Lord said that all the necessary elements for extradition have been met and he was thus accepting the arguments of the Solicitor General. In respect of the submission by Hertular’s lawyers, Lord said that not one instance of relevant case law has been cited… and in extradition matters, it is case law that counts. The Chief Magistrate allowed fifteen days for an appeal to the Supreme Court. Hertular is charged in the Southern District of News York with conspiracy to import controlled substances into the U.S.A., distribution of a controlled substance with intent that it be imported into the U.S.A., impeding and intimidating a law enforcement officer, and obstruction of justice.