Calvin Parris, 34, one of the UK’s most wanted fugitives, has been apprehended after spending four years on the run. The National Crime Agency (NCA) announced that Parris, from Cardiff, was detained by Portuguese Judicial Police near Boliqueime, Algarve, on 3 October.
Following his arrest, officers from the NCA’s Joint International Crime Centre (JICC) escorted Parris back to the UK, where he was taken into custody by South Wales Police on 15 October.
Parris, who is accused of a conspiracy to supply cocaine, had been evading capture since November 2020. He was one of the most wanted individuals on the NCA’s list after disappearing following the arrest of his co-conspirators. On 16 October, Parris appeared before Cardiff Magistrates’ Court and was remanded into custody, with a court date set for November at Cardiff Crown Court.
Neil Keeping, NCA’s International Regional Manager, commented on the arrest, emphasizing the NCA’s determination to track down those involved in serious crime and bring them to justice. He also issued a stern warning to other fugitives: “No matter how you try and evade law enforcement, we will always catch up with you.”
Detective Sergeant Ceri Young of South Wales Police added that Parris, believed to have fled the UK by late November 2020, was the final member of an organized crime syndicate engaged in the trafficking of Class A drugs into South Wales via encrypted devices, including the infamous ‘EncroChat’ platform. The police operation to locate him included the collaboration of various European law enforcement agencies, which culminated in Parris’ arrest in Portugal.
The case highlights the ongoing efforts to combat organized crime and drug trafficking, which pose significant risks to communities. Parris now faces charges for his involvement in this criminal network, and justice authorities are determined to ensure his prosecution.