British Drug Trafficker Arrested In Thailand After Years On The Run

A British drug trafficker who was convicted over a £1 million drugs ring has been arrested in Thailand after going on the run in 2014.

Forty-seven-year-old Jonathan Moorby was captured by Thai police on the southern island of Koh Samui, a popular place for tourists.

According to the Gazette Live, Moorby was caught by cops after a tip-off that his son regularly travelled to see his dad.

Moorby, who was nicknamed Mr Big, has numerous previous drug offenses to his name and went on the run shortly before a British court sentenced him to 15 years in jail, in his absence, in 2014. He was also ordered to pay £575,680 under the Proceeds of Crime Act.

Credit: Teeside Crown Court

He was found guilty of conspiracy to supply more than £1 worth million of cocaine and amphetamines. Before being deported, he will face charges of illegal entry and holding a fake passport in Thailand, the Daily Mail reports.

When he was found in Thailand, he was carrying a forged Belgian passport under the name Goossens Wouters, which he is alleged to have bought for one million baht - around £22,200.

The Thailand Narcotics Suppression Bureau said: "The Royal Thai Police coordinated with the British Embassy and Interpol to trace Jonathon Moorby for escaping an arrest warrant in England.

Moorby was named as a major drug kinpin in the north east of England. Credit: PA

"He was traced to a property on Ko Samui. He was not there and the next day on Monday was arrested on Ko Mudsom, south of Ko Samui and taking about 20 minutes by speedboat.

"We were asked by the British Embassy's Interpol representative to arrest the suspect.

"He is a key drugs trafficking suspect in Britain, dealing in cocaine and ice (crystal methamphetamine)."

Credit: PA

Teeside Crown Court confirmed it has a warrant out for Moorby's arrest.

Moorby, who is originally from Stockton-on-Tees, was named as a major drugs kingpin in the north-east of England.

The Gazette Live reports that, even while in Thailand, it's alleged Moorby organised a number of arson attacks on his estranged wife and was laundering money.

Sources: Daily Mail; Gazette Live; Yahoo

Featured Image Credit: Teeside Crown Court

Topics: Drugs

Claire Reid

Claire is a journalist at LADbible who, after dossing around for a few years, went to Liverpool John Moores University. She graduated with a degree in Journalism and a whole load of debt. When not writing words in exchange for money she is usually at home watching serial killer documentaries surrounded by cats. You can contact Claire at [email protected]

@ClaireReid19