Monday, August 21, 2006 4:37 PM

NEWARK, New Jersey-An Albanian who fled Italy after being sentenced to an eight-year prison term for heroin trafficking has been captured in northern New Jersey, U.S. authorities said Monday.

Muslim Llacja was arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agents on Friday evening after authorities learned he was hiding in the Paterson area, the agency announced. Llacja was a passenger in a vehicle in Paterson when he was found, ICE spokesman Mike Gilhooly said.

Interpol had issued a "Red Notice" for Llacja, 38, which indicated that extradition would be requested, ICE said.

He is to remain in U.S. custody pending a hearing before an immigration judge on charges he illegally entered the country.

Llacja told ICE agents he sneaked into the United States via the southwest border with Mexico about two years ago.

The FBI assisted in locating Llacja, said Kyle Hutchins, special agent in charge of ICE's Newark office.