One of UK's Most Wanted Criminals Captured in Algarve After Two-Year Manhunt

Major Arrest in Algarve

One of the most wanted men in the UK, suspected of leading a criminal organization dedicated to international trafficking of cocaine and hashish in large quantities, has been arrested in Boliqueime, Algarve, as revealed today by the Judiciary Police (PJ).

Details of the Capture

The Judiciary Police, through its Southern Directorate, located and detained the individual in Boliqueime (municipality of Loulé). He is strongly suspected of crimes including criminal association and illicit drug trafficking, according to a statement from the security force.

Criminal Background

The detainee is described as the leader of a criminal organization focused on international cocaine and hashish trafficking and had been on the run for about two years following a judicial decision. In his criminal activities in the UK, there are known episodes of violence and attempts to evade authorities, including efforts to run over officers.

Identity and Extradition

The suspect, a 40-year-old foreign citizen, was found in possession of a false identity. He will now be presented to the Court of Appeal in Évora, which will consider his extradition to Scotland, the requesting country.

International Cooperation

This arrest was made possible through international police cooperation with the UK's National Crime Agency (NCA), in compliance with an international arrest warrant issued by UK judicial authorities.