Drug Boss on the Run Caught After Years Abroad!
Essex Crime Kingpin Flees Before Trial
Richard Wakeling, 55, from Brentwood, Essex, skipped the country in January 2018 just as his 12-week drug smuggling trial was about to kick off.
He had been convicted in absentia for importing a staggering £8 million worth of liquid amphetamine back in 2016. Despite using a false identity, Wakeling was sentenced to 11 years behind bars in April 2018.
International Manhunt Ends in Thailand
Wakeling had been living it up in the beach town of Hua Hin, Thailand. But he’s now behind bars, with extradition proceedings underway to bring him back to face justice in the UK.
The National Crime Agency (NCA) pieced together the puzzle after tracing phone evidence to Ternat, Belgium, where Wakeling organised the drugs pickup. He coordinated with suppliers in the Netherlands and worked with two UK accomplices to plan the importation.
Drug Empire Uncovered
- Wakeling masterminded at least six previous shipments before the 2016 bust.
- The NCA followed his trail across multiple countries, including Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland, Canada, Spain, and Thailand.
“Wakeling’s arrest was the result of a massive global manhunt,” said Jacque Beer, NCA regional head of investigations. “We worked with international partners and the public – whose tips from Crimewatch and media appeals were vital – to capture him.”
Follow the Story
Stay tuned for updates as Wakeling faces justice and the UK cracks down hard on international drug networks.
