ONE of Britain’s most needed fugitives has been arrested by Spanish cops close to Benidorm after being on the run for months.
Simon Dutton, 49, was cuffed following a surprising police raid – and has now been charged been drug trafficking and doc forgery.
The high-stakes arrest is known to have occurred in La Nucia within the early hours of Thursday morning.
Native cops solely went public with it later within the day after the Nationwide Crime Company unveiled the most recent Operation Captura needed checklist in Alicante.
Earlier than his arrest on Thursday, he had been needed for a re-call to jail.
The Costa Blanca arrest was filmed in dramatic footage – with Dutton seen swarmed by closely armed cops in a white villa.
Storming the property, they shouted in English: “Police, police.”
They raided the house with sniffer canines and had been pictured counting out giant wads of money within the aftermath.
The arrest cane simply hours after the launch of a brand new marketing campaign aiming to search out 12 fugitives believed to be hiding on the Costas.
Spanish police mentioned: “The Civil Guard in Alicante has arrested one of many fugitives included within the UK-led worldwide search operation in opposition to offenders linked to organised crime, coinciding with the presentation of the most recent ‘Most Wished’ marketing campaign.
“The arrest has been carried out inside the framework of an operation carried out in Benidorm and La Nucia in opposition to a community linked to drug trafficking and forgery, wherein three different folks have been arrested.”
They added: “The investigation started in November 2025 following a tip-off from the supervisor of a Benidorm courier agency the place a suitcase containing 16 kilos of hashish resin had been situated which was on account of be despatched to the UK.
“Preliminary inquiries led to the identification of a lady who organised the supply utilizing false documentation.
“Investigators found she went to the institution with one other particular person and had logistical help from one other two males who transported the suitcase.
“Because the investigation superior officers managed to establish these concerned and ensure one was an individual on the UK Most Wished checklist for crimes regarding drug trafficking who an Worldwide Arrest Warrant had been issued for on the finish of final 12 months.”
The Manchester fugitive is about to face a nationwide court docket after being charged with drug trafficking and doc forgery.
He was cuffed alongside two different suspects, whereas a fourth lady was arrested in Costa Blanca.
Police seized numerous narcotics, about £3,000 in money, false paperwork and two vehicles.
Dutton, who has the title “Rachel” tattooed on his left arm, was sentenced to 14 years in jail in September 2016 for organising large-scale importations of cocaine.
One police operation linked to him uncovered 10.5kg of medication with a avenue worth of £1.5million.
