One of the North West's most wanted men has been arrested in Dubai.

Leon Cullen, a 31-year-old alleged drugs boss has been wanted by police for nearly two years, but was detained on an international arrest warrant on Friday, January 3.

His arrest follows an extensive operation carried out by Cheshire Police’s serious and organised crime unit, in partnership with the National Crime Agency, North West Regional Organised Crime Unit, Interpol and police authorities in the United Arab Emirates.

Detective inspector Giles Pierce, of the force’s serious and organised crime unit, said: “Cullen’s arrest has been a long time coming and I am extremely pleased that our hard work and determination to pursue him has paid off.

“We have worked closely with the NCA, the NWROCU and agencies abroad to help detain Cullen for offences relating to a conspiracy to supply and possess firearms and drugs in the Warrington area.

“I hope this serves as a reminder to those who attempt to evade the police that, no matter how far you run and how long for, we will always catch up with you.”

Cheshire Police has described Cullen as one of its most wanted men.

He is suspected of being the head of a major cocaine ring operating in the town, members of which were jailed for 185 years earlier this year – including Leon’s twin brother Anthony Cullen, who was given 27 years behind bars.

A series of dawn raids were executed in connection with the drugs gang on the morning of Wednesday, January 10 2018.

But Cullen managed to avoid arrest, with rumours in Warrington placing him in locations such as Spain, Thailand and the UAE.

Andy Cooke-Welling, head of the NCA’s international crime bureau, added: "The NCA operates across the world to locate and apprehend fugitives.

"Leon Cullen was located following work by Cheshire Constabulary, alongside NCA officers based in the UK and abroad and UAE authorities.

"This type of global law enforcement co-operation has never been more important to tackling serious and organised crime affecting the UK.

"A list of the UK’s most wanted fugitives is available on the NCA website.

"We encourage anybody with possible information on their whereabouts to report it, anonymously, to Crimestoppers."