Spanish authorities are seeking the extradition of a 30-year-old Dublin man for alleged drugs and firearms offences and being a member of an international criminal gang.
Freddie Thompson, from Loreto Road, Maryland, Dublin 8, was arrested by gardaí this afternoon and brought before the High Court on foot of a European Arrest Warrant.
The warrant alleges that Mr Thompson's role within the criminal organisation based on the Costa Del Sol was to obtain weapons for the gang, as well as operating as a bodyguard and chauffeur.
Mr Justice Michael Peart remanded him in custody to appear again before the High Court next Wednesday.
Mr Thompson was arrested at 3pm by gardaí from the Extradition Unit.
The warrant alleges he is a member of an international criminal organisation based on the Costa Del Sol, which has members from a number of countries, including Spain, the UK and Ireland.
It alleges Mr Thompson's role is to obtain weapons for the gang, which, as well as gun crime, is involved in drug trafficking and money laundering through a complex network of companies.
The Spanish authorities say they had Mr Thompson under surveillance between 2008 and 2010, that he has been to Morocco and Amsterdam and they have recordings of him speaking to others.
They say he cannot prove how he supports himself.
Sergeant Sean Fallon gave evidence of arrest, charge and caution this afternoon.
He told the court that when the warrant was presented to Freddie Thompson, he said "I can't read, I'm not taking this".
He then replied "no comment".
There was no application for bail and Mr Thompson was remanded in custody to appear again at the High Court next Wednesday.
