The now infamous Lebanese-Australian drug dealers arrested in Dubai this summer have finally been extradited to face trial in Australia.
Dubai Police previously said several of the suspects were attempting to claim their Lebanese citizenship in a bid to escape trial in Australia. However, that effort appears to have proven unsuccessful.
At least four of the men involved in the international drug bust were extradited and arrived in Australia on Sunday, according to the Sydney Morning Herald.
Australian police lauded Dubai's support
Police in Australia have expressed their appreciation for the support and cooperation of Dubai authorities throughout the operation and extradition process.
"The Dubai authorities have offered an unprecedented level of support to help facilitate these operations and ensure these extraditions have run smoothly," Federal Police Assistant Commissioner Neil Gaughan said.
"This marks the first successful extradition from the UAE on behalf Australian law enforcement," he said.
The men face serious charges
Fadi Ibrahim, his brother Michael Ibrahim, Mustapha Dib, Stephen Elmir, Hakan Arif and Koder Jomaa were all arrested in Dubai on Aug. 8. Five of the six men are of Lebanese descent.
According to The Daily Telegraph, the Ibrahim brothers and Dib, who was also a resident of the UAE, have been mentioned in court for their alleged crimes.
Michael Ibrahim faces charges of heading an international drug and tobacco syndicate. His brother Fadi is charged with helping to finance the operations (in excess of $1 million), although his defense team claims he loaned the money without knowledge of his brother's business.
Dib and Jomaa are both charged with attempting to import large quantities of drugs as well as conspiracy to do so.