Wanted Manchester man arrested in Benidorm hotel following international manhunt

An alleged drugs trafficker who has been wanted by Greater Manchester Police since 2020 has been traced and arrested at a hotel in Benidorm.

Paul Brown (26/09/1973) of no fixed abode has been charged with conspiracy to supply Class A and B drugs. 

Following the NCA takedown of the encrypted communications platform, Encrochat, we believe that Brown was involved in a largescale drug conspiracy.

In 2022, a European Arrest Warrant was issued for Paul Brown.

On Monday 22 April 2024, following an extensive investigation between Greater Manchester Police, the National Crime Agency, and Spanish National Police, Paul Brown was arrested as he checked into a hotel in Benidorm.

Work is ongoing to facilitate his extradition back to the UK.

Detective Inspector Rick Castley from our 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.”