Brit Drug Fugitive Nabbed in Bulgaria with Fake Passport
Benjamin Macann, 32, has been caught red-handed at a hotel in Plovdiv, Bulgaria’s southern city. The Norfolk man was found carrying a fake passport and a genuine one issued in someone else’s name.
International Sting Snags Wanted Criminal
Macann’s arrest came during a joint operation by the National Crime Agency (NCA), Bulgarian police, and the Spanish Guardia Civil. The capture follows a high-profile Most Wanted campaign launched by the NCA and Crimestoppers in January targeting fugitives believed to be hiding in Spain.
Supply of Kilogrammes of Cocaine
Wanted by Norfolk Police for conspiring to supply class A drugs, Macann is accused of moving multiple kilogrammes of cocaine in 2020. He reportedly used encrypted phones to communicate with his accomplices while evading justice.
More Fugitives to Follow
Macann is the fifth criminal caught since the campaign began. He remains in custody as extradition proceedings get underway. Steve Reynolds, NCA’s regional boss in Spain, said:
“Benjamin Macann’s arrest was made possible thanks to outstanding work by our international liaison officers, the Guardia Civil fugitives team, Bulgarian Police, and partners in Bulgaria’s international cooperation directorate.”
“We won’t stop until every one of our Most Wanted is behind bars.”
Detective Sergeant Eddie Hammond of Norfolk and Suffolk’s Serious Organised Crime Unit added:
“We continue to collaborate globally to track down our most wanted criminals. There is no safe haven for those who break the law.”
Lord Ashcroft, founder of Crimestoppers, urged the public to come forward with tips:
“Our charity supports anonymous tip-offs about criminals and fugitives both in the UK and abroad. This arrest shows the power of our Most Wanted campaign. Anyone with info should get in touch via crimestoppers-uk.org – your knowledge could save lives.”
