‘Air Cocaine’ Frenchman to seek his release on bond

Santo Domingo.- Air security expert Christophe Naudin, chargedin the escape of two French pilots sentenced to 20 years in prison for drugtrafficking in the case known as “Air Cocaine,” will seek his release on bond Thursdayin a hearing to review his pretrial detention.

The hearing is set for 9am at the National District 1stInstruction Court, where his defense is expected to challenge his incarcerationon claims that his extradition from the Egypt was illegal.

Naudin is charged with helping French pilots Pascal JeanFauret and Bruno Odos escape while under house arrest on a conviction of drugtrafficking, with more than 700 kilos of cocaine seized on a private jet asthey prepared to take off from Punta Cana International Airport on March 2013.

The defendant is charged with trafficking with humans, smugglingand conspiracy.