Paul John Scott: Drug gang suspect arrested after returning to Britain from Netherlands on light aircraft

Paul John Scott, 32, from Liverpool, was held when he flew into East Winch Airfield in Norfolk

Paul John Scott, 32, from Liverpool,has been arrested after he flew into East Winch Airfield in Norfolk in a Cessna 170, the National Crime Agency (NCA) said (PA)

One of Britain's most wanted fugitives - a suspected member of a drug-dealing gang - has been arrested after he returned to Britain from the Netherlands in a light aircraft.

Paul John Scott, 32, from Liverpool, was held when he flew into East Winch Airfield in Norfolk in a Cessna 170, the National Crime Agency (NCA) said.

The Dutch pilot, who was also arrested on suspicion of money laundering, has been bailed pending further enquiries.

Scott, who was accused of being in possession of 2,000 euros and a false Belgian identity card, was charged with conspiracy to import cocaine and appeared at Liverpool Magistrates Court yesterday. He was remanded in custody until his next court appearance at Liverpool Crown Court on January 2.

Scott is a suspected member of a Merseyside-based organised crime group that plotted to smuggle up to 40 tonnes of drugs into the UK, the NCA said.

He was also being sought by the Guardia Civil in Spain in connection with the murder of British national Francis Brennan in Alicante.

The arrest on Tuesday night comes two weeks after the NCA launched a manhunt for Scott and issued an appeal on BBC One's Crimewatch show.

Officers from Norfolk Police and Border Force were waiting for the aircraft to touch down as suspicions had been raised ten days earlier when the pilot landed in the same airfield in a different aircraft.

PA