Police are searching for Orijol Rukaj, a 47-year-old accused drug importer who escaped from corrections staff while serving as a pallbearer at his brother's funeral in Melbourne on Anzac Day. He has been on the run for six weeks.
Acting Detective Inspector Simon Pengelly said the funeral was busy, with about 300 people at the Keilor East cemetery. Corrections staff lost sight of Rukaj and called triple zero after realizing he was gone. Police believe he was picked up by a dark-colored Toyota Landcruiser.
Police have searched 20 addresses in Melbourne and questioned associates and family members. They believe Rukaj remains in the metropolitan area. Several people who allegedly helped plan the escape are currently offshore, though one was arrested at Melbourne airport but released without charge.
Rukaj is described as thin, Caucasian, about 176cm tall with hazel eyes and short brown hair. He has ties to Sunbury and St Albans. He was last seen wearing a white shirt, black suit, and Asics trainers. Police do not believe he is a danger to the public but urge him to surrender.
