A Sicilian with alleged links to the mafia this morning dropped objections to extradition to Sicily, where he is wanted by the authorities to face drug charges.

The development came after prosecution and defence argued that the extradition proceedings, launched against Salvatore Stefano Rizzotto, 38, on Tuesday, were wrong and his arrest was therefore illegal.

The court, presided by Magistrate Joseph Apap Bologna, ruled that the proceedings were null but but said that Mr Rizzotto should be kept under arrest until he is re-arraigned.

Mr Rizzotto, who is from Syracuse, had been on the run for three months and is wanted for the alleged possession of 19 kilograms of marijuana, besides having links to the Mafia, lawyer Donatella Frendo Dimech, from the Attorney General’s Office, told the court last Tuesday.. Mr Rizzotto also had convictions and pending cases on drug-related charges, she added.

Dr Frendo Dimech said the Italian authorities had issued a warrant for his arrest on September 16, followed by a European arrest warrant on October 23.

He was arrested in Malta on Sunday evening.

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