Briton fights extradition over alleged £66m global drugs plot

Published on Friday 27 November 2009 21:39

A BRITISH businessman based in Thailand has vowed to appeal against plans to extradite him to Australia accused of a £66 million global drugs plot.

James Kinch, 50, who lawyers said is originally from Scotland, claims he cannot be extradited without the permission of British authorities.

He is wanted in Sydney after an investigation involving authorities in Germany and Holland for his part in an alleged conspiracy to import 600 kilograms of pseudoephedrine, the key ingredient in the manufacture of methamphetamines or "ice".

Prachaya Vijitpokin, of Law Office and Business, based in Thailand's capital and representing Kinch, said: "Australia has no right to demand Mr Kinch's extradition. We will appeal within 15 days. He is from the UK and we will seek advice from his home country. We do not believe the court has relevant permission."

Kinch was arrested in Bangkok in May 2008 just days before Australian Federal Police (AFP) in Sydney detained former Australian crime commissioner Mark Standen and fellow Australian Bill Jalalaty. The three were charged with a conspiracy worth A$120m (66m). Australian police also want to question Kinch over an alleged attempt to import Ecstasy in 2003, it was alleged.

Mr Vijitpokin confirmed that the judge applied an extradition treaty Thailand has with Britain recognising Australia as part of the British Commonwealth. Australia does not have an extradition treaty with Thailand but does have a prisoner exchange agreement.

Kinch intends to deny the drug trafficking charges, claiming they were based on anonymous witnesses and no evidence, his lawyer said. The defendant told reporters at the court: "It's farcical."