Alleged drugs dealer arrested in Dubai – after two year police hunt

A 31-year-old Warrington man has been arrested in Dubai – after being on the run for almost two years.
Leon Cullen is alleged to have led a major drugs ring in Warrington.
Cheshire Police’s serious and organised crime unit, in partnership with the National Crime Agency, North West Regional Organised Crime Unit, Interpol and police authorities in the United Arab Emirates co-operated in his arrest
Detective inspector Giles Pierce, of Cheshire’s serious and organised crime unit, said: “Cullen’s arrest has been a long time coming and I am extremely pleased that our hard work and determination to pursue him has paid off.
“We have worked closely with the NCA, the NWROCU and agencies abroad to help detain Cullen for offences relating to a conspiracy to supply and possess firearms and drugs in the Warrington area.
“I hope this serves as a reminder to those who attempt to evade the police that, no matter how far you run and how long for, we will always catch up with you.”
Cullen is alleged to have been the head of a major cocaine ring operating in Warrington members of which were jailed for 185 years last year – including Leon’s twin brother Anthony Cullen, who was jailed for 27 years.
Members of the gang were arrested in January 2018 but Cullen managed to escape.
Andy Cooke-Welling, Head of the NCA’s International Crime Bureau, said: “The NCA operates across the world to locate and apprehend fugitives. Leon Cullen was located following work by Cheshire Constabulary, alongside NCA officers, based in the UK and abroad, and UAE authorities.
“This type of global law enforcement co-operation has never been more important to tackling serious and organised crime affecting the UK.
“A list of the UK’s most wanted fugitives is available on the NCA website. We encourage anybody with possible information on their whereabouts to report it, anonymously, to Crimestoppers.”