Norwegian Court Denies U.S. Extradition Request on Narcotics Conspiracy

On July 16, 1999, the three-judge panel of the Gulating High Court unanimously denied the U.S. extradition request for U.S. national Harry Edward Hendriksen, who was indicted for complicity in smuggling and distribution of considerable quantities of hashish and marijuana from the end of the 1970s and up to July 23, 1991. The essence of the opinion denying the extradition was based on lack of dual criminality and statute of limitations. On July 18, 1996, the U.S. District Court in Vermont issued a warrant for Hendriksen’s arrest. He then fled the U.S. On November 25, 1997, Norwegian authorities arrested him. The Jaeren Court of Examining and Summary Jurisdiction remanded him in custody two days later.