A fug!tive from Cardiff has been returned to the UK and charged with conspiracy to supply drvgs after evading capture for nearly four years. Calvin Parris, 34, was arrested by Portuguese authorities in the Algarve on October 3, as reported by South Wales Police. Twelve days later, officers from the National Cr!me Agency (NCA) Joint International Crime Centre (JICC) escorted him back to the UK.
Parris has been charged with conspiracy to supply cocaine. Sky News indicates that Parris is believed to have been a member of an organized cr!me group using the encrypted ‘EncroChat’ platform to smuggle class-A drugs into South Wales.
Following the arrest of several alleged accomplices, he reportedly left the UK ‘on or before November 29, 2020,’ according to Detective Sergeant Ceri Young.
He did not return, prompting a joint operation with South Wales Police, the NCA, and other European law enforcement agencies to locate and apprehend him,” she explained. Due to his failure to return, a Europe-wide manhunt was launched, listing him as one of the NCA’s most-wanted fugi!ives. Two years prior, the agency believed Parris was residing in Spain.
“We are pleased to report that Parris has been arrested in Portugal after a joint investigation with the NCA and other European law enforcement partners,” DS Young stated, highlighting the significant negative impact of organized crime and drug trafficking on communities.
Bringing those involved in such criminal activities to justice is a priority for South Wales Police,” she added.
After being extradited to the UK, Parris was taken into custody by South Wales Police and appeared at Cardiff Magistrates’ Court on October 16. He was then remanded in custody until his next appearance at Cardiff Crown Court in November.
Following Parris’s arrest near Boliqueime, Neil Keeping, NCA International Regional Manager, issued a warning to other fugitives. He stated that the arrest “demonstrates our commitment to tracking down those accused of serious crimes and returning them to the UK to face charges. This should serve as a warning to fugitives—no matter how you try to evade law enforcement, we will eventually catch up with you.”
Keeping also expressed gratitude to the Portuguese Judicial Police for their efforts in locating and apprehending Parris.