Detectives are appealing for help as they bid to trace a Liverpool man sought in connection with an EncroChat drugs probe.
Dean Garforth is suspected of being involved in a major gang that dealt in cocaine, cannabis and guns.
He was today named as one of the UK's most wanted fugitives.
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The National Crime Agency today revealed it believed Garforth is hiding in Spain.
The 29-year-old is wanted in connection with a Cheshire Police investigation prompted by the downfall of the communications network EncroChat.
The NCA and police say the network was used by top-level criminals to plot and trade with eachother. Dozens of drug dealers from Merseyside have been locked up since the programme was hacked by law enforcement officials in April 2020.
The NCA today said: "Garforth is allegedly involved in a well-established organised crime group supplying significant quantities of cocaine and cannabis and involved in trading firearms and ammunition.
"It is alleged he used the now defunct encrypted communication platform EncroChat to facilitate these offences in and around the North West of England and that his organised criminal gang also adulterated the drugs before moving them on."
Garforth's last known address was South Hill Road in Dingle. He is described as being 5ft 6in tall, of slim build and with brown hair.
Garforth is one of four men with links to Merseyside today named among the UK’s 12 most wanted.
Appealing for details, Steve Rodhouse the NCA’s Director General of Operations said: “Fugitives usually continue offending while on the run and these men will be known in criminal circles wherever they are.
“The last thing the fugitives’ associates will want is the combined determination and capabilities of the UK and Spanish law enforcement focusing on them.
“Many of these fugitives will be trying to blend in to the large British communities who have made their homes in Spain, and if you are resident, you may know one of them from your town or village.
“Loyalties change over time and we urge anyone with information about these men to help us find them.”
Anyone with information can contact Crimestoppers, which is running the campaign in conjunction with the NCA and Spanish authorities, on 0800 555 111 or online here.
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