U.S. seeks extradition of drug suspect

He’s awaiting trial along with his brother Hadrian for a May 2001 drug bust that netted over a ton and a quarter of cocaine. But tonight Robert Hertular has another fight on his hands: extradition to the United States. Robert, he’s the one wearing a grey shirt in this 2001 file shot, was picked up on a provisional arrest warrant on Tuesday and brought before Chief Magistrate Herbert Lord this morning. According to court documents, the United States is seeking Hertular’s extradition to face charges of conspiracy to import cocaine to the U.S., distribution of cocaine with intent to import to the U.S., impeding and intimidating law enforcement officers, and obstruction of justice. No plea was taken and Hertular, who is represented by attorney Lionel Welch, was remanded to Hattieville prison until February ninth when the Chief Magistrate will hear the merits of the application for extradition. The last time U.S. authorities wanted a Belize drug suspect they didn’t bother using the official extradition process. Instead, the D.E.A., with the help of the Belize Police Department, simply kidnapped George Herbert and Liston McCord and put them on a plane to the States.