'Most wanted' suspected cocaine smuggler arrested while playing poker in Spain

Robert Knight, from Walsall, had been on the run for six years

A suspected drug smuggler who went on the run in Spain for six years was arrested as he played poker in a swoop by armed police in Valencia.

Robert Knight, 53, had been on the National Crime Agency’s “most wanted” list since 2009 after a botched shipment of cocaine from the Dominican Republic was seized at Heathrow Airport.

He was playing Texas Hold-em poker at Saffy’s sports bar in Calpe, near Benidorm, at 7pm on Thursday night when police burst in.

Knight, from Walsall, had been tracked down as part of a joint operation involving the Spanish National Police, the National Crime Agency (NCA) and West Midlands Police.

He was apprehended on a European Arrest Warrant on suspicion of conspiracy to import cocaine.

Hank Cole, head of international operations for the NCA, said: “Knight is believed to be a member of an organised crime group involved in the importation and distribution of illegal drugs.

"He had been on the run for a number of years but we were able to track him down.

“Spain is not a safe haven. The NCA and its partners will continue to pursue fugitives relentlessly."

Knight had fled the country after the seizure of six kilograms of cocaine at Heathrow in April 2008. Five other men arrested at the time were later jailed for their roles in the crime.

Lord Ashcroft, the founder and chairman of Crimestoppers, said he was “delighted” at the arrest.

The charity is working with British and Spanish police forces as part of Operation Captura, which targets the NCA’s most wanted fugitives hiding in Spain.

There are 14 people on the list still believed to be at large in the country.

Inspector Dave Simpson, from West Midlands Police, said Knight’s capture had been “a long time coming”.

He added: “This just demonstrates that there is no hiding place for criminals and we will work with police forces from other countries along with the National Crime Agency to seek them out.”

Knight was due to appear at the Spanish National Court in Madrid on Sunday, where extradition proceedings will begin.