On-the-run criminal captured

Coleraine man Mark Dunford, 41, has been arrested in Spain on a European Arrest Warrant.

He is due to appear in court in Northern Ireland today.

He is originally from Waterford but with an address at Ballylagan Lane, Coleraine.

Dunford was due to be sentenced for his part in illegal drugs supply in Coleraine and Ballymena after police officers seized almost £900,000 worth of drugs in September 2012.

He had admitted supplying amphetamines, but failed to appear in court for his sentencing in February last year.

The officer leading the investigation, Detective Inspector Tom McClure, from Reactive and Organised Crime Branch, said: “Mark Dunford was arrested in Spain on Saturday, June 25, as a result of our continued inquiries and assistance from colleagues in the National Crime Agency and Spanish police.”

He will appear at Ballymena Magistrates Court when a date for his sentencing at Crown Court will be set.