3 terror suspects extradited

Three men arrested for allegedly trying to buy arms for al-Qaeda terrorists in return for drugs arrived in the United States last night after being extradited from Hong Kong.

Syed Mustajab Shah, 54, Muhammed Abid Afridi, 29, both from Pakistan, and US citizen Ilyas Ali, 55, flew under escort to San Diego after being taken to Chek Lap Kok airport on Tuesday evening.

They were arrested on September 20 after allegedly offering undercover FBI agents five tonnes of hashish and 590kg of heroin in exchange for anti-aircraft Stinger missiles. Prosecutors claim the arms were destined for the al-Qaeda.