WIREDGOV

National Crime Agency investigators are appealing for information to trace a man charged with importing cocaine into the UK.

Dwane Johnson was arrested by Border Force officers in January 2016 when he arrived at Birmingham Airport on a flight from Jamaica.

Officers searching his suitcase recovered over 10 kilos of cocaine concealed as coconut milk powder. The drugs had an estimated street value of £400,000.

After being questioned by the NCA Johnson was released on bail. He was later charged but went on the run, and failed to appear at court in September 2017, when a warrant was issued for his arrest.

Six other people charged in connection with the same investigation into alleged drug smuggling and money laundering are due to stand trial in June 2018.

Johnson, 38, is a gym regular who lived in Erdington, Birmingham at the time of his arrest. Investigators believe he also has links to the Handsworth and Hockley areas of the city, as well as Edgware in London.

Jon Hughes, NCA Operations Manager, said: “We suspect that Dwane Johnson was a courier for a drug trafficking network responsible for bringing large quantities of cocaine into the UK.

“We know Johnson has extensive links to Erdington, Handsworth and Hockley in his home town of Birmingham and may have spent some time in the Edgware area of London.

“It is important that Johnson be brought before the courts and we would urge anyone who has any information about his whereabouts to come forward.

“Today we are releasing a picture of him. If you recognise this man please let us know.”

Anyone with information can call the National Crime Agency on 0370 496 7622 or the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.