'Most wanted' cocaine smuggling suspect held in Spain

One of Britain's most wanted fugitives suspected of importing large amounts of cocaine into the UK has been arrested in Spain.

Simon Dutton, 49, originally from Bolton, Greater Manchester, was held in La Nucia, near Benidorm, the National Crime Agency said.

Dutton had been wanted by Greater Manchester Police in connection with organising large importations of cocaine and money laundering, with one interception being valued at £1.5 million, the agency said.

He was also wanted over alleged false passport offences and breaching a Serious Crime Prevention Order.

Dutton's arrest came as part of a wider operation attempting to trace 12 most wanted suspects in the country.

In the 20 years since Operation Captura started, there have been 11 public appeals naming a range of criminals, and 98 of 111 offenders and suspects have been caught.

NCA deputy director Rick Jones said criminals hope to blend in among British ex-pats and often continue offending while living in Spain.

"They will generally integrate themselves into these communities, which are populated by many, many thousands of British people who are perhaps enjoying their retirement or running businesses there," he said.

"Criminals will integrate themselves and hide among society, and then abuse that trust of those communities and offend against them.

"That's why we are so determined to leave no stone unturned and no safe place for them to do that and offend against the Spanish communities and our own back here."

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