A CRIMINAL who was one of the Britain’s “most wanted men” after going on the run before his capture has admitted a £4.5million drug plot.
Alex Male, 32, was arrested in June 2020 as part of an investigation into class A drugs supply across the south west of the UK.
His arrest was part of Operation Venetic, the UK response to the takedown of Encrochat, an encrypted messaging service that was used by criminals worldwide.
He has now pleaded guilty today at Exeter Crown Court to conspiracy to supply cocaine, conspiracy to supply ketamine and money laundering.
Male pleaded not guilty to conspiracy to acquire a firearm and ammunition – these offences will lay on file.
The other four members of Male’s gang were jailed for a total of 56 years in March.
The group supplied more than 130 kilos of cocaine with worth £4.5million across the South West, including in Portsmouth, Trowbridge, Bristol and Bridgwater.
Male was released on bail following his arrest in 2020 but breached his conditions and fled abroad.
He was added to the National Crime Agency’s (NCA) “most wanted” list in January 2022.
Earlier this year Male was arrested in Morocco, detained, and extradited back to the UK last month.
He had previously been arrested in Turkey after trying to enter the country from Portugal.
DCI Adam Smith from the SWROCU said: “Male has repeatedly tried to avoid facing justice for the serious offences he committed, but today he finally pleaded guilty to his role in organising the supply of huge amounts of class A and B drugs and laundering the cash they made.
“His determination not to get caught and keep his freedom was outweighed by the determination of our investigation team and our partners in the NCA, CPS and abroad to find him and get him back.
“Alex Male led a group who were funding luxury lifestyles by exploiting the drug use of vulnerable people.
“Having already spent several months in prison in Morocco, he knows he can expect a significant jail term when he is sentenced next month.”
David Hucker, NCA International Regional Head of Operations, added: “Today’s outcome is further proof that no matter how fugitives try to evade law enforcement, we will always catch up with them and put them before the courts.
“Alex Male thought he could slip under the radar by fleeing abroad, however the tenacious work of NCA and SWROCU officers, alongside our Moroccan General Directorate National Security partners, led to his arrest in Morocco earlier this year.
“This should serve as a stark warning to fugitives on the run – we will always be looking for them, and we won’t stop until they face justice.”
Male is due to be sentenced at Exeter Crown Court on October 18.
Anyone with information about drug dealing within their communities can contact their local force online or via 101.
You can also contact Crimestoppers, completely anonymously, on 0800 555 111 or via their website.
