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Date Published: 25/04/2024

Wanted Manchester man caught on Costa Blanca after 4 years on the run

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The suspected drug trafficker was collared as he checked into a hotel in Benidorm

Wanted Manchester man caught on Costa Blanca after 4 years on the run

A British man suspected of being part of a large-scale drug trafficking operation has been arrested in Spain after a four-year manhunt. Mancunian Paul Brown went on the run back in 2020 and he was finally tracked to a Benidorm hotel and apprehended on Monday April 22.

When he first absconded four years ago, Greater Manchester Police, the National Crime Agency and the Spanish National Police launched and international manhunt for the 50 year old and a widespread appeal for information on his whereabouts was released.

With no sign of the suspected trafficker, a European Arrest Warrant was issued for Brown in 2022. At the time, investigations into the encrypted communications platform ‘Encrochat’ linked the suspect to a “large-scale drug conspiracy,” according to official sources.

Finally, on Monday, the alleged narcotics smuggler was taken down as he checked into a Benidorm hotel. He has since been charged with conspiracy to supply Class A and B drugs and awaits extradition to the UK.

Detective Inspector Rick Castley from GMP’s Serious Organised Crime Group said: “Brown stands accused of a significant drugs supply conspiracy, and our determination to locate him has not faltered over the years. I would like to thank our colleagues at the National Crime Agency and Spanish law enforcement for supporting us in our relentless pursuit to find Brown.

“Brown may have been outstanding for four years now, but we didn’t forget about him. Working with specialist resources and our international partners, we will continue to make sure wanted suspects live life always looking over their shoulder.”

In other news: Major road expansion on A-7 near Alicante

Image: Zarateman via Wikimedia Commons

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