Norway extradites Pinoy seaman to Italy to face drug rap

OSLO, Norway — The Norwegian government has extradited to Italy a Filipino seaman for his alleged involvement in drug trafficking, the Philippine Embassy said on Thursday. Local police nabbed Wilchard Relles, 29, a waiter of the ship M/V Minerva, as soon as the vessel docked in the port of Bergen on July 14, 2008, an embassy report said. Relles was the subject of of an arrest order issued by the Savona Police in Italy. The report noted that no prohibited drugs were found in the possession of Relles, who maintained his innocence. He told embassy officials that he and four others were previously questioned and cleared by the Savona Police on the same case two years ago. He related though that he was suspected of having connection with a group of Filipino seamen charged for the same case because police traced suspected drug money to his account. “A friend just requested me if he could use my transfer account which I allowed," Relles told embassy officials, adding that he strongly believe that his friend is not involved in any illegal acts. An extradition hearing on his case was subsequently held and while waiting for his flight to Italy, he was imprisoned at the Bergen National Prison. Norwegian authorities received the formal extradition request from the Italian government only on August 12, 2008 and Relles was sent to Italy on Sept. 8. Vice Consul Lenna Eilleen C. De Dios witnessed the extradition hearing on his case where Relles expressed his willingness to be sent to Italy to clear his name. - GMANews.TV