An alleged British narco has been extradited to the UK to face serious drug trafficking charges following his arrest in Marbella.
The suspect, named as Andrew Doran, was wanted by UK authorities for his alleged role in a network that imported large quantities of cocaine into the country.
According to the UK’s National Crime Agency (NCA), Doran was traced after logging into an online banking account from southern Spain, leaving a digital footprint that led investigators directly to him.
Spanish police confirmed that Doran was detained on July 8 in the Nueva Andalucia area of Marbella during a joint operation between the Policia Nacional and international liaison officers.
Following his arrest, he was placed in custody while extradition proceedings began.
He was handed over to British authorities on October 1 and appeared two days later before Newcastle Magistrates’ Court, where he was charged with four drug-related offences and one count of conspiracy to kidnap.
The court ordered that he remain in custody pending a further hearing later this month.
The NCA believes Doran was part of a criminal organisation responsible for distributing cocaine across northeast England.
His arrest has also reignited efforts to locate two other British nationals wanted in connection with related investigations: Thomas Michael Dunwoodie (56) and Paul Anthony Elsey (57).
Both men were detained in 2020 but fled the UK in 2022 before formal charges were brought against them.
They remain the subject of active international arrest warrants for alleged cocaine supply offences in the same region.
NCA Branch Commander Martin Clarke previously said: ‘These men were allegedly involved in the supply of cocaine to the UK’s streets.
‘It is likely they’re aware that law enforcement is looking for them, so they should consider the impact being on the run is having on them and those close to them.
‘This isn’t going to go away and we aren’t going to stop looking for them. I’d appeal directly to Thomas Dunwoodie, Paul Elsley and Andrew Doran to hand themselves in at the earliest opportunity.’
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