A PICTURE of a suspected Bolton drug dealer will be driven around Spanish holiday resorts as part of an international manhunt to track him down.

Fugitive Simon Dutton is linked to a conspiracy to import millions of pounds worth of cocaine from Spain and distribute it across the North West.

Dutton's face will be one of 18 displayed on a van used by the National Crime Agency and Crimestoppers to find suspects thought to be hiding in areas such as Benidorm, Malaga and Puerto Banus.

The van will tour areas with large British contingents and will park outside nightclubs, bars, supermarkets and restaurants.

The 38-year-old, who was born in Bolton, has now been on the run for four years.

Police have already seized £1.6 million of cocaine and jailed 17 people involved in the operation linked to Dutton.

It is the first time that national investigators have used the tactic to find criminals thought to be hiding among ex-pat communities in the Spanish Costas.

The 13ft-high screen attached to the van will feature the remaining 18 suspects wanted by Operation Captura, an operation being run by Spanish authorities, the National Crime Agency (NCA) and Crimestoppers.

NCA deputy director Steve Reynolds said: "We've caught 68 out of 86 fugitives on the Captura list and the rest know we won't stop until we catch them too.

"By taking our campaign directly into Spanish communities where we believe they are living and socialising, their lives will become even more uncomfortable.

"We want British expats and locals to help us by being extra eyes and ears and telling us what they know.

"These fugitives are wanted for serious crimes."

He warned associates of the fugitives who help them evade capture they could be prosecuted.

Mr Reynolds added: "Anyone who is helping them stay on the run, such as girlfriends, wives, family members back home, or criminal associates, should know that assisting them is an offence too.

"There may also be people in the UK with vital information on the whereabouts of these fugitives and we would urge them to get in touch."

Dutton is described as 6ft 4in, with short, dark brown hair, clean shaven, of medium build and has blue eyes.

Now in its ninth year, Operation Captura has already apprehended 68 suspects.

Roger Critchell, director of operations for Crimestoppers, added: "This is something that we have never done before but we believe that broadcasting these fugitives' faces right in their back yards will not only encourage the public to speak up but show these individuals that there really is nowhere to hide.

"There will be no avoiding the faces on this screen — they will be broadcast in all the popular expat areas.

"Many of these fugitives are currently living a life of leisure funded by serious crime. They cannot be allowed to hide forever, they must be brought to justice. Do the right thing and help us find them."

Anyone with information can call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.