Police in Northern Ireland have arrested two men wanted by Belgian authorities in connection with drug trafficking offences committed in 2021.

The men, aged 36 and 39, were detained in separate operations in County Tyrone on Wednesday 15 July. The 36-year-old was arrested in the Omagh area, and the 39-year-old was arrested in Castlederg by officers from the Strabane Local Policing Team. Both are subject to Belgian extradition warrants and are due to appear before Laganside Extradition Court in Belfast on Thursday 16 July.

Belgian authorities have sentenced each man to four years in prison for offences linked to drug trafficking in the West Flanders region in 2021. The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) carried out the arrests on foot of these warrants.

Superintendent Marty Reid, head of PSNI Extradition, stated that the arrests highlight the ongoing collaboration between local police and European law enforcement partners. He said the PSNI is increasingly working with the UK Joint International Crime Centre, Interpol, and Europol to bring fugitives to justice both in Northern Ireland and abroad.

The PSNI reiterated its commitment to tracking down individuals wanted for serious offences and supporting international justice efforts.