Curtis Warren, one of Britain’s most notorious drug barons, has been arrested by the National Crime Agency following a dawn raid, The Telegraph understands.
Warren, who was once on the Sunday Times rich list, having amassed a fortune estimated at £300m, was detained at a location in Boldon Colliery, South Tyneside, just before 6am on Wednesday.
The National Crime Agency said a 60-year-old man from Liverpool was arrested just before 6am on Thursday on suspicion of multiple violations of a serious crime prevention order.
The force did not name the suspect, but The Telegraph understands it to be Warren, who was released from prison in 2020 after serving 13 years for conspiracy to import drugs.
The order came into effect after his release from prison three years ago for drug trafficking offences. Multiple violations under investigation relate to the unauthorized use of mobile phones, vehicles, bank accounts and travel.
NCA officers also carried out searches at Boldon and another address in the Royal Albert Dock area of Liverpool.
Mobile devices, documents and cash were seized for examination by investigators.
The operation was supported by Merseyside Police and the North East Regional Organized Crime Unit (NEROCU).
Alison Abbott, of the NCA’s Lifetime Offender Management Team, said: “These injunctions are vital tools in preventing and deterring future crime. Once criminals enter our radar, they never leave, and the NCA will take action on violations.”
Failure to comply with a felony prevention order is a felony punishable by a maximum sentence of five years and an unlimited fine.
