A suspected Polish drug smuggler remanded in French Polynesia for two years has been authorised to leave the territory pending his trial.
The man was arrested with two men from the Netherlands in Nuku Hiva in the Marquesas islands in 2017 after police found 500 kilogrammes of cocaine hidden in their catamaran.
Photo: RNZ/ Nick Monro
The three said they didn't know about the cargo, which the prosecutor said might have been destined for Australia.
According to Radio 1, the judicial authorities said the 28-year-old Pole was allowed to return to the Netherlands pending his trial late next year.
If found guilty, he risks jail of up to 10 years and a fine of almost $US10 million.
His lawyer said the man would be back for the trial because otherwise it would be interpreted as an admission of guilt.
Nuku Hiva, Marquesas Islands. Bay of Nuku Hiva. Photo: Copyright: sorincolac / 123RF Stock Photo