Czech Republic officials trying to extradite drug smuggler Karel Sroubek from New Zealand say he faces four-and-a-half years in prison on his return.
Photo: Carmen Bird Photography
Sroubek's New Zealand's residency was recently confirmed by the Immigration Minister, Iain Lees-Galloway, who stopped him from being deported.
Sroubek was jailed in New Zealand for 5 years and 9 months for importing the drug MDMA and entering the country under a false passport.
The Czech Republic's Ministry of Justice is now preparing an extradition request.
In a statement the Ministry said as well as seeking prosecution for attempted bodily harm and disorderly conduct, Sroubek had a conviction for disorderly conduct, damaging another's property, and attacking a law enforcement officer.
"He is required to serve a sentence of imprisonment of 4 years and 6 months in relation to those convictions." a spokesperson said.
The Ministry was unable to give a time frame for the extradition procedure but said the legal base between the two countries relied upon a treaty it had with the United Kingdom "for the Extradition of Criminals signed at London on 11 November 1924 and its protocol signed at London on 4 June 1926."
It said the request was still being prepared given New Zealand's "extensive requirement for extradition materials"
When asked what would happen to Sroubek if he returned to the Czech Republic, the spokesperson said he would "serve the imposed sentence of imprisonment and face the prosecution charges before the competent court."