A Colombian national who escaped to Spain while he was out on bail over drugs charges has been remanded in custody after being extradited to Malta.

John Faber Uruena Molina, 34, was charged in August 2013 with conspiring to import cocaine in Malta.e He was arraigned along with Colombian-born Gloria Stella Vargas Pena, who was arrested on arrival in Malta and admitted to having imported 200 grams of cocaine in capsules hidden in her body.

Mr Molina had pleaded not guilty and was remanded in custody but was released on bail at a later stage.

Some months ago the police began suspecting that Mr Molina had escaped from Malta when he stopped appearing for court sittings and a European Arrest Warrant was issued. The accused was arrested in Spain around two months ago and was later brought to Malta.

Through an interpreter, Mr Molina told Magistrate Ian Farrugia that he was sorry for what he had done and said he had given himself in to the Spanish police when he realized his mistake.

The accused was remanded in custody, having breached the conditions of his previous bail release.

Inspector Nikolai Sant prosecuted. Lawyer Yana Micallef Stafrace appeared for Mr Molina.