Lorraine Williamson
A UK fugitive arrested in Alicante has become the first major case linked to a renewed British campaign targeting some of the country’s most wanted suspects believed to have ties to Spain.
The man, named by the UK’s National Crime Agency as Simon Dutton, was detained on 14 May in La Nucía, near Benidorm. His arrest came as British and Spanish authorities launched a new appeal in Alicante to track down fugitives thought to be using Spain as a place to hide.
At a glance
- A British man wanted in connection with alleged drug offences and money laundering has been arrested in Alicante.
- Spain’s Guardia Civil says three other people were also detained in the same operation.
- The case coincided with a new Most Wanted campaign involving the NCA, Crimestoppers and Spanish authorities.
- The campaign focuses on fugitives with links to areas including Alicante, Málaga, Marbella, Tenerife and the Costa Blanca.
Arrest followed Benidorm drugs investigation
Spain’s Ministry of the Interior said the arrest formed part of a Guardia Civil operation in Benidorm and La Nucía against a network allegedly linked to drug trafficking and false documentation.
The investigation began in November 2025 after staff at a parcel delivery business in Benidorm alerted officers to a suitcase containing 16 kilos of hashish. The package was reportedly destined for the United Kingdom.
Officers later identified several people allegedly involved in the shipment. According to Interior, one of them was found to be wanted by British authorities under an international arrest warrant issued in late 2025.
Searches in Benidorm and La Nucía uncovered drugs, €4,000 in cash, false documents and two vehicles allegedly used by the group. The principal suspect, aged 49, is expected to be brought before Spain’s Audiencia Nacional as part of the extradition process.
Who is Simon Dutton?
Crimestoppers says Simon Dutton, from Bolton, is wanted by Greater Manchester Police in connection with alleged drug offences and money laundering.
The UK charity’s Most Wanted appeal alleges Dutton organised the importation of cocaine from Spain to the UK. It also says one police interception uncovered 10.5 kilos of cocaine with an estimated street value of £1.5 million.
As always in extradition and wanted-person cases, the allegations remain allegations unless and until proven in court.
Spain central to renewed UK appeal
The arrest came as the NCA, Crimestoppers, Spain’s Interior Ministry and Spanish police forces renewed a long-running campaign to find fugitives believed to have Spanish links.
The NCA said the latest list marks the 20th anniversary of Operation Captura, a campaign that has seen 98 fugitives arrested out of 111 publicised.
The new appeal names men wanted in connection with serious alleged offences, including murder, sexual offences, drug trafficking, fraud and money laundering. Crimestoppers says the individuals are believed to have links to locations including Tenerife, Marbella, Alicante, Málaga and the Costa Blanca.
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Alicante and Málaga remain key areas
The campaign reflects a wider reality for UK and Spanish law enforcement. Spain has long been attractive to some fugitives because of its large British communities, busy tourist areas and frequent travel links with the UK.
But police cooperation has also become more sophisticated. The latest Alicante campaign launch brought together the NCA, Crimestoppers, Spanish Interior officials, the Guardia Civil, the Policía Nacional and representatives from the British Embassy.
UK authorities are again urging anyone with information to come forward. Crimestoppers says people in Spain can contact the charity anonymously on its freephone number, with translation available if needed.
Spain is no longer a safe place to disappear
The Alicante arrest gives the renewed campaign an immediate result. It also sends a clear message to fugitives who believe Spain offers distance from British justice.
For residents and visitors, the practical message is simple. These appeals rely heavily on public information. Anyone who recognises a person on the official wanted list should contact the police or Crimestoppers, rather than approach them directly.
Spain’s most wanted list