Huge security operation to guard French mafia suspect

The National Police mounted a huge security operation yesterday to transfer Frenchman Gavin Feriolo from Palma prison to the High Court. Armed guards and police outriders were used to make sure that nothing happened to Feriolo, considered to be one of the most dangerous members of the Marseilles mafia, which in turn is reputedly the most dangerous in the world, while he was in transit. He has been held in Palma prison for the best part of a year since he was arrested on board a boat in Majorcan waters with nearly 2'000 kilos of hashish on board and if found guilty of drug trafficking will face a maximum of four years in jail. The French police also have an outstanding warrant for his extradition pending. Feriolo is wanted in France on a number of assorted drugs charges and faces up to 30 years in a French jail should the authorities manage to get their hands on him. The French and Spanish police also want to question him about a missing Frenchman wanted in connection with the gunning down of two French mercenaries in a restaurant on the Costa del Sol two years ago. After yesterday's hearing, in which Feroilo's defence team's plea for him to be released was denied, he was returned to Palma prison, The case continues.