An international drug trafficker wanted in the United Kingdom was arrested by Thai police in Bangkok on Friday.
The arrest took place at noon on Sukhaphiban 5 Road in Sai Mai district when a joint force of the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) and the Crime Suppression Division (CSD) swooped in to nab British national Richard Wakeling, 54, on a warrant issued on Jan 31.
Wakeling, of Brentwood, Essex, was wanted in the United Kingdom for violation of the Misuse of Drugs Act as well as excise duty violations linked to the smuggling of narcotics into the country.
According to the National Crime Agency (NCA) website, Wakeling attempted to transport £8 million (325 million baht) worth of liquid amphetamine into the UK in April 2016. He fled the country in 2018 prior to a trial in which he was convicted and sentenced to 11 years in prison.
Further investigations showed that his ring was a major player in the European illicit drugs trade.
Collaborating with the Office of the Attorney General, the NCA provided information on Wakeling to the CIB, which was able to confirm that he had indeed fled to Thailand and was for a time residing in the beach town of Hua Hin.
After tracking him for some time, authorities were able to intercept him while he was travelling to meet a friend in Ekamai district of Bangkok.
Wakeling has reportedly consented to be extradited to the UK to face his punishment.