One of Britain's most wanted fugitives who was linked to international cocaine smuggling is arrested in Spain

By GERARD COUZENS and TARYN KAUR PEDLER, FOREIGN NEWS REPORTER Published: 20:44, 14 May 2026 | Updated: 20:53, 14 May 2026 One of Britain's most wanted fugitives has been arrested in Spain after being linked to international cocaine smuggling. Simon Dutton, 49, was held in La Nucia, north of Benidorm, just hours after the launch of a new campaign aiming to bring to justice 12 men believed to be hiding on the Costas. The arrest is understood to have happened in the early hours of this morning, although cops only went public with the information this evening after the National Crime Agency unveiled the latest Operation Captura wanted list in Alicante. Convicted drug smuggler Dutton, from Bolton, Greater Manchester, arrested in a bar in Greece in December 2015, was wanted for a recall to prison. The wanted man, who has the name 'Rachel' tattooed on his left arm, was sentenced to 14 years in prison in September 2016 for organising large-scale importations of cocaine and money laundering. The Civil Guard, which made today's Costa Blanca arrest, released footage showing an army of heavily-armed officers surrounding a whitewashed villa before forcing entry as they shouted in English: 'Police, police.'  They stormed into the property with sniffer dogs and were pictured counting out large wads of cash. A man believed to be Dutton was filmed being escorted to a patrol car in daylight hours. Simon Dutton, 49, was held in La Nucia just north of Benidorm At least 12 of the UK's most wanted criminals are thought to be hiding out in Spain A spokesman for the Civil Guard, which didn't officially name Dutton, although well-placed sources confirmed he was the man held, said tonight: 'The Civil Guard in Alicante has arrested one of the fugitives included in the UK-led international search operation against offenders linked to organised crime, coinciding with the presentation of the latest 'Most Wanted' campaign. 'The arrest has been carried out within the framework of an operation conducted in Benidorm and La Nucia against a network linked to drug trafficking and forgery, in which three other people have been arrested. 'The investigation began in November 2025 following a tip-off from the manager of a Benidorm courier firm, where a suitcase containing 16 kilos of cannabis resin had been located, which was due to be sent to the UK. 'Initial inquiries led to the identification of a woman who organised the delivery using false documentation. 'Investigators discovered she went to the establishment with another person and had logistical support from another two men who transported the suitcase. 'As the investigation advanced, officers managed to identify those involved and confirm one was a person on the UK Most Wanted list for crimes relating to drug trafficking who an International Arrest Warrant had been issued for at the end of last year.' Spanish police confirmed last night that Dutton would now face extradition to the UK, although he is likely to end up being charged for crimes allegedly committed locally as well. Earlier today, a new appeal was launched to locate and bring to justice a dozen of the UK's most wanted men. Publication of the latest list of fugitives marked the 20th anniversary of Operation Captura – a multi-agency campaign which has seen 98 fugitives apprehended out of 111 publicised. All men featured in this year's campaign are believed to have links to Spain, including areas such as Tenerife, Marbella, Alicante, and Malaga. Dutton featured on it as well as the likes of Derek McGraw Ferguson, a 62-year-old Scot wanted in connection with the murder of Thomas Cameron in Glasgow in 2007, and heavily tattooed Spencer Dillon Lamb, 33, who is wanted for supplying and cultivating drugs. Derek McGraw Ferguson, 62, is wanted in connection with the murder of Thomas Cameron, which took place in Glasgow in 2007 Philip Barry Foster, 50, ran a £13.6 million sham modelling agency scam, targeting over 6,000 victim Russian national Alexsandr Kuksov, 23, is accused of being involved with an organised crime group that laundered millions of pounds of criminal cash Dean Eighteen, 48, is wanted for submitting false VAT repayment claims on behalf of two companies. He is believed to have left the UK in January 2019. Philip Barry Foster, 50, is wanted to begin his eight-and-a-half-year prison sentence for fraud and money laundering. He ran a £13.6 million sham modelling agency scam, targeting over 6,000 victims. Russian national Alexsandr Kuksov, 23, is accused of being involved with an organised crime group that laundered millions of pounds of criminal cash between September and October 2022. He was added to the Most Wanted list in January 2026. Wanted for his involvement in the supply of cocaine, cannabis and possession of criminal cash is 34-year-old Liam Michael Murray. Francis David Parker, 40, is believed to be a proactive member of the Coggins organised crime group (OCG). He is wanted for directing drug couriers and collecting money on behalf of the OCG. Kevin Thomas Parle, 42, is wanted in relation to the murders of Liam Kelly in 2004 and Lucy Hargreaves in 2005. Matthew Purves, 41, is wanted for his involvement in a conspiracy to supply multiple kilos of cocaine across the UK. He is believed to have links to southern Spain as well as Corby and Peterborough. John Rocks, 37, is accused of committing sexual offences between 2012 and 2022. Charlie Salisbury, 34, is wanted on suspicion of supplying cocaine and laundering the proceeds of the crimes. Kevin Thomas Parle, 42, is wanted in relation to the murders of Liam Kelly in 2004 and Lucy Hargreaves in 2005 John Rocks, 37, is accused of committing sexual offences between 2012 and 2022 During the previous Operation Captura appeal, members of the public came forward with information within days. British ex-pats living in Spain and holidaymakers visiting the country are once again being encouraged to look at the most wanted list. Those with information are advised not to approach the suspect or tell them or anyone else if they decide to come forward. Anyone with information can call Crimestoppers anonymously in the UK on 0800 555 111, and in Spain 900 926 111, which will be answered by Crimestoppers in the UK using translation if required. In the past year, 56 criminals have been extradited back to the UK from Spain. No comments have so far been submitted. Why not be the first to send us your thoughts, or debate this issue live on our message boards. 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