The National Crime Agency (NCA) has finally caught Michael Paul Moogan, one of the UK’s most wanted drug dealers. The 37-year-old from Croxteth was the mastermind behind a major cocaine smuggling ring bringing hundreds of kilos into the UK every month.
Moogan’s Cocaine Conspiracy Busted
Moogan’s network spanned the UK, Belgium, and Europe. He linked up with two other British men and used a key venue as the hub for importing huge quantities of Class A drugs. One associate had access to up to €500,000 at a time to bankroll the operation.
On the Run – Until Dubai Arrest
Despite his high profile status, Moogan stayed under the radar for years. He used fake IDs, including one under the name Michael Dier bearing his own photo, to avoid capture. But in April 2021, Dubai police arrested him, bringing an end to his fugitive days.
Operation Captura’s 86th Catch
Moogan became the 86th arrest under Operation Captura, a joint NCA and Crimestoppers campaign targeting fugitive criminals abroad. NCA Senior Investigating Officer Ben Rutter said:
“Moogan did everything he could to avoid this day but justice has finally caught up with him. He was a major figure in international drug dealing. His consignments of Class A drugs undoubtedly brought misery and real harm to the UK communities they reached.”
Justice Served
After pleading guilty to conspiring to import Class A drugs, Moogan returned to court this week and was jailed. Without his plea and mitigation, he could have faced a 20-year sentence.
Moogan’s conviction marks a major win for law enforcement teams working across the UK, Europe, and beyond to tackle organised drug crime and protect communities from the damage caused by the illegal drug trade.
