Albano Andriano, 37, remains in custody today, a month after his arrest by the Toronto police fugitive squad.
His lawyer and a federal prosecutor made brief appearances in Superior Court on University Avenue today. They are scheduled to return to court on Feb. 18, when a date is expected to be set for extradition arguments to begin.
Andriano was arrested in mid-December by the Toronto police fugitive squad, who were acting on a request from Italian authorities.
According to Italian extradition documents, Adriano evaded custody on May 23, 2000, after being sentenced on April 13, 1999 to five years and four months for trafficking 1.5 kg of cocaine.
He's also wanted for prosecution on fresh drug trafficking charges, federal prosecutor Nancy Dennison said.
Italian authorities accuse Andriano of being tied to the Calabrian Mafia.
Andriano's lawyer, Cosmo Galluzzo, said it's not clear exactly what is meant when Andriano's accused of evading custody.
Galluzo said that extradition case can be complex, and last for years.
"They don't always have the right person," Galluzzo said. "They don't always have the right charge."
Galluzo declined to say how long Andriano lived in Woodbridge, or what he did to support himself.
"He's certainly employed," Galluzo said.
Asked how his client is adjusting to confinement in Canada, Galluzo replied; "He's reacting as anybody else would — anxious to get out."
His lawyer and a federal prosecutor made brief appearances in Superior Court on University Avenue today. They are scheduled to return to court on Feb. 18, when a date is expected to be set for extradition arguments to begin.
Andriano was arrested in mid-December by the Toronto police fugitive squad, who were acting on a request from Italian authorities.
According to Italian extradition documents, Adriano evaded custody on May 23, 2000, after being sentenced on April 13, 1999 to five years and four months for trafficking 1.5 kg of cocaine.
He's also wanted for prosecution on fresh drug trafficking charges, federal prosecutor Nancy Dennison said.
Italian authorities accuse Andriano of being tied to the Calabrian Mafia.
Andriano's lawyer, Cosmo Galluzzo, said it's not clear exactly what is meant when Andriano's accused of evading custody.
Galluzo said that extradition case can be complex, and last for years.
"They don't always have the right person," Galluzzo said. "They don't always have the right charge."
Galluzo declined to say how long Andriano lived in Woodbridge, or what he did to support himself.
"He's certainly employed," Galluzo said.
Asked how his client is adjusting to confinement in Canada, Galluzo replied; "He's reacting as anybody else would — anxious to get out."
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