BRUSSELS: A Tayside (Scotland) accused of being a member of an international drug smuggling gang gave Belgian authorities a €10,000 bail payment to return home for Christmas. Raymond Urquhart, from Perth, was extradited out of Scotland in October to face charges of transporting cocaine and MDMA (ecstasy) across international borders.
But it has emerged that lorry driver Urquhart who secured cash from the Scottish Legal Aid Board to fund his defence in this country last year paid 10,000 euro, roughly £8,000, to be allowed home.
A Police Scotland spokeswoman confirmed the move in response to inquiries by the Tele.
She said: “Raymond Urquhart was posted bail on Christmas Eve.
“He paid 10,000 euro to be bailed and was released by the Chamber of Conseil in Antwerp. He was released the same day upon payment.”
It is understood the conditions of Urquhart’s bail allowed him to leave Belgium.
