UK Fugitive Arrested in Spain for Gun Trafficking
A fugitive from Leeds, wanted by the UK’s National Crime Agency (NCA) for trafficking guns and ammunition, has been extradited back to the UK and imprisoned following his arrest in Spain. The fugitive, identified as 38-year-old Clinton Blakey, was apprehended in Marbella on May 17 after a surveillance operation.
Three Years on the Run
Blakey had been evading law enforcement for three years, having failed to appear at Leeds Magistrates’ Court in 2020 to face charges related to weapons and ammunition. The British fugitive is allegedly linked to an organised crime group that facilitated the movement of firearms and ammunition from Liverpool to Leeds. He was arrested in Madrid in 2021 but managed to escape once again while on bail.
Link to Seized Firearms
In addition to his alleged involvement in gun trafficking, Blakey is also suspected of having connections to a Howa bolt-action rifle and 200 rounds of ammunition that were seized at a house in Leeds in 2020.
Operation Venetic Leads to Arrest
As part of Operation Venetic, NCA investigators, in collaboration with Spanish police, were able to locate Blakey once again. After an intense period of research and surveillance, Blakey was detained in a vehicle in Marbella. He was immediately taken into custody and transported back to the UK.
Additional Charges
Alongside the firearms and ammunition charges, the British fugitive has also been charged with conspiracy to supply Class A and B drugs.
