Spanish police have arrested one of Britain's most wanted fugitives—Simon Dutton—just hours after the launch of a new campaign targeting 12 men believed to be hiding on the Costas. Dutton, 49, was detained in La Nucia, just north of Benidorm, in the early hours of the morning, though authorities only publicized the arrest late tonight after the National Crime Agency unveiled the latest Operation Captura wanted list in Alicante.
Background of the Fugitive
Dutton, a convicted drug smuggler from Bolton, Greater Manchester, had been wanted for a recall to prison. He was previously arrested in a bar in Greece in December 2015. In September 2016, he received a 14-year prison sentence for organizing large-scale cocaine importations and money laundering. He bears a distinctive tattoo reading 'Rachel' on his left arm.
The Arrest Operation
The Civil Guard, which conducted the Costa Blanca arrest, released footage showing heavily armed officers surrounding a whitewashed villa before forcing entry while shouting in English: 'Police, police.' Officers entered with sniffer dogs and were seen counting large wads of cash. A man believed to be Dutton was filmed being escorted to a patrol car in daylight.
A Civil Guard spokesman said: '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.'
Investigation Details
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 was found, destined for the UK. Initial inquiries led to the identification of a woman who organized the delivery using false documentation. Investigators discovered she went to the establishment with another person and had logistical support from two men who transported the suitcase. As the investigation advanced, officers identified those involved and confirmed one was on the UK Most Wanted list for drug trafficking crimes, with an International Arrest Warrant issued at the end of last year.
Extradition and Charges
Spanish police confirmed Dutton will now face extradition to the UK, though he may also be charged for crimes allegedly committed locally.
Operation Captura Anniversary
Earlier today, a new appeal was launched to locate and bring to justice a dozen of the UK's most wanted men. The publication of the latest list marked the 20th anniversary of Operation Captura—a multi-agency campaign that 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 appeared on the list alongside 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.
