Fugitive Dublin Drug Boss Nabbed at Lanzarote Bar
Gary Vickery, 38, a mastermind in a massive drugs and money laundering plot, has been caught after dodging arrest for months. The Dublin-born criminal failed to show up in court twice in 2021, sparking a warrant for his arrest. His luck ran out when Spanish police nabbed him at a bar in Yaiza, Lanzarote.
£23 Million Drug Empire Exposed
Vickery admitted to playing a leading role in smuggling Class A and B drugs worth over £23 million on UK streets. He was arrested alongside Thomas Kavanagh, 53, from Tamworth, and Daniel Canning, 42, also from Dublin. Both men are locked up awaiting sentencing after pleading guilty. Canning also confessed to possessing a firearm and ammo.
Joint UK-Spain Crackdown Nets Major Victory
The arrest was the result of a police sting involving the National Crime Agency (NCA) and Spain’s Guardia Civil. NCA Deputy Director Matt Horne blasted Vickery for ignoring multiple chances to turn himself in. He stressed that the UK will relentlessly pursue organised crime figures determined to harm communities.
“Vickery was given ample opportunity to return to the UK following his guilty plea, but has failed to come back on every occasion. We will ensure those who cause harm to the UK though organised crime are held accountable, and this case highlights our tenacity.” – NCA Deputy Director Matt Horne
Extradition Underway
Vickery faced a Spanish court this morning, with extradition proceedings now live to bring him back to the UK for sentencing. The crackdown marks a major win in disrupting a dangerous international drug ring.
