A Cardiff man who had been on the run for four years after being named one of the UK’s ‘most wanted’ fugitives has been apprehended in Portugal and brought back to the UK. Calvin Parris, 34, was captured by Portuguese Judicial Police officers near the town of Boliqueime in the Algarve on October 3. Parris is accused of involvement in a conspiracy to supply cocaine and had evaded authorities since November 2020. The National Crime Agency (NCA) Joint International Crime Centre (JICC) coordinated with Portuguese authorities to facilitate his return to the UK, where he was taken into custody by South Wales Police upon arrival on October 15.
According to Detective Sergeant Ceri Young of South Wales Police, Parris is believed to have fled the UK following the apprehension of several co-conspirators in late November 2020. An intensive operation involving various law enforcement agencies, including the NCA and European partners, was launched to track down Parris. A European Arrest Warrant was subsequently issued on December 22, 2020, leading to his recent capture in Portugal.
Parris is allegedly linked to an organised crime group responsible for trafficking class A controlled substances into South Wales, utilising encrypted communication devices on the ‘EncroChat’ platform. Authorities stress the significant harm caused by organised crime and drug trafficking to communities and emphasize the importance of holding perpetrators of such crimes accountable. Neil Keeping, NCA International Regional Manager, highlighted the agency’s determination to pursue individuals accused of serious criminal activities and ensure they face justice in the UK.
Parris appeared at Cardiff Magistrates’ Court on October 16 and has been remanded in custody until his next court appearance in November. The successful collaboration between UK and Portuguese authorities in apprehending Parris serves as a reminder to other fugitives that evading the law is not a viable option. The relentless pursuit of justice for criminal offenders, no matter their location, remains a top priority for law enforcement agencies.
The capture of Calvin Parris is a significant development in the fight against organised crime and drug trafficking, demonstrating the effectiveness of international cooperation in tackling cross-border criminal activities. The dedication of law enforcement officials in pursuing fugitives and ensuring they face the consequences of their actions sends a strong message of deterrence to those engaged in illegal enterprises.