A suspect implicated in an international auto theft ring has had the charges against him withdrawn.

Okey Fabian Eze, of Belle River, was one of five people charged back in 2006 following an investigation by the Provincial Auto Theft Team involving the theft of high-end vehicles, which were later exported to West Africa.

The case involved offences dating back to November 2005, and one of the accused was a 31-year-old man who lived in St. Catharines.

Det. Sgt. Dave Childs, with the police anti-auto theft team, said the case was brought before the Ontario Superior Court of Justice but due to the length of time it took for the case to be heard, all charges were withdrawn.

According to court records, the charges were withdrawn on Jan. 17, 2011.