Most wanted drug trafficker hands himself in

UK crime-fighting charity, Crimestoppers, can confirm that one of the most wanted men under Operation Captura, Michael Eddleston, handed himself in to the British Consulate in Majorca this afternoon. [29 September 2009]

Eddleston, born in Doncaster and wanted by South Yorkshire Police, was featured under Operation Captura, a campaign to track down UK criminals on the run in Spain. He was wanted in connection with three counts of illicit trafficking in narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances. Eddleston is the first of ten most wanted appeals, launched 23 September in Malaga, to be arrested.

Crimestoppers' Founder and Chair, Lord Ashcroft, KCMG said: “To have a wanted individual hand themselves in within a week of the launch of Operation Captura is a fantastic result. It clearly shows that by publicising the faces of these men, the media can play a key role in flushing dangerous criminals out of hiding. Although criminals can run, as a result of Operation Captura, they can't hide for long.

“Don't forget there are still nine most wanted men on this list, if you have any information on them please call the charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, or 900 555 111 if calling from Spain, and help us track down more of these criminals.”

The British Ambassador in Spain, Dame Denise Holt DCMG, added: “The arrest of one of the most wanted British criminals in Spain is great news and another example of how the close cooperation between the UK and Spain on security matters works. I want to give a special thanks to Crimestoppers, the Spanish Ministry of Interior and to the Spanish police forces for their continued support.”

Operation Captura identifies serious criminals wanted by UK law enforcement agencies for crimes committed in the UK. Crimestoppers and the Serious Organised Crime Agency (SOCA) work closely with British Embasy Madrid, British and Spanish law enforcement agencies. The campaign highlights appeals for information on criminals who have European arrest warrants issued against them for crimes such as drug trafficking, murder and sex offences.

Calls to the freephone Spanish 900 555 111 telephone number are answered in the UK by Crimestoppers' call agents and a translation service is available upon request. People can also pass on information anonymously via the online Giving Information form on Crimestoppers' website.

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More information about Operation Captura, including the remaining appeals and arrests to date.

For further information contact Crimestoppers' press office.

Notes to editors

Crimestoppers

• Crimestoppers is an independent charity which helps the police to solve crimes, making communities safer. It does this by operating the 24/7 telephone number 0800 555 111 which people can ring to pass on information about crimes anonymously. They can also use our online Giving Information Form.
• Around 19 people are arrested and charged every day as a result of information given to Crimestoppers. One person every four days is charged with murder.
• Since Crimestoppers began in 1988, it has received over a million actionable calls, resulting in over 91,000 arrests and charges. Over £167 million worth of property has been recovered and over £160 million worth of drugs.
• In 2006, Crimestoppers launched the UK's Most Wanted on its website which allows the public to view images of criminals and pass on vital information about their whereabouts. It has been highly successful with over 500 arrests to date from 2.5 thousand appeals posted.
• Crimestoppers UK was founded by Lord Ashcroft, KCMG, Chairman of Trustees. In 1988, he launched Crimestoppers in the Metropolitan Police area. Crimestoppers ‘call to action' is built on a three-way partnership between the business community, the police and the media.
• In September 2007, Crimestoppers launched a youth website www.shadowcs.co.uk which allows young people to give information anonymously online.

Registered charity number: 1108687