Wanted man arrested at Benidorm hotel after FOUR-YEAR Greater Manchester Police manhunt

A suspected drugs trafficker was arrested at a hotel in Benidorm after a four-year manhunt to try and trace him.

Officers launched an appeal to try and trace the wanted man - Paul Brown - in 2020. Following the takedown of the encrypted communications platform Encrochat, officers believed that the suspect was involved in a 'largescale drug conspiracy'.

In 2022, a European Arrest Warrant was issued for Brown. An extensive international manhunt was launched between Greater Manchester Police, the National Crime Agency, and Spanish National Police.

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On April 22, Brown was arrested as he checked into a hotel in Benidorm. The 50-year-old was subsequently charged.

Brown, of no fixed abode, has been charged with conspiracy to supply Class A and B drugs. Officers are now working to facilitate his extradition back to the UK.

Detective Inspector Rick Castley from GMP's Serious Organised Crime Group said: "Brown stands accused of a significant drugs supply conspiracy, and our determination to locate him has not faltered over the years. I would like to thank our colleagues at the National Crime Agency and Spanish law enforcement for supporting us in our relentless pursuit to find Brown.

"Brown may have been outstanding for four years now, but we didn’t forget about him. Working with specialist resources and our international partners, we will continue to make sure wanted suspects’ live life always looking over their shoulder."

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