Monday 20 Oct 2014 @ 12:10
National Crime Agency
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Drug fugitive brought back to UK after three years on the run

Footage showing the moments convicted drug trafficker and fraudster Martin Evans arrived back in the UK, after three years on the run in Cyprus and South Africa, has been released by the National Crime Agency.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=xJpd9vceGb0&feature=youtu.be

Wearing handcuffs, Evans was led from the plane to a waiting police van by an NCA extradition team.

The 52-year-old, who featured in the Operation Zygos fugitive campaign, was arrested by armed officers in Johannesburg on Saturday 2 August. He landed at Heathrow early friday morning (Friday 17th October 2014).

Evans had been on the run since 2011 when he failed to return to prison after being released on licence. He was serving 21 years at the time for conspiracy to supply cocaine and fraudulent trading.

Investigators from the National Crime Agency alerted Interpol that Evans was in South Africa which resulted in intelligence-led surveillance operations by the South African Police Service.

Evans was tracked down to a housing complex and officers moved in as he was getting out of his car.

Simon Flowers, NCA Wales Branch Commander, said:

"Martin Evans has been a thorn in the side of law enforcement in Wales for many years so the time spent getting him back behind bars is more than worth it.

“The NCA and its partners will pursue fugitives wherever they are in the world. There are no safe havens for criminals – if you have committed a crime, expect a knock at the door.”

Wiltshire Police assisted with transporting Evans to prison.  

 

Channel website: http://www.nationalcrimeagency.gov.uk/

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