Suspected UK drug trafficker arrested in Dutch town

Frances Coggins was wanted by the National Crime Agency for suspected drug smuggling

A Merseyside man wanted on suspicion of trafficking cocaine and heroin into the UK has been arrested in the Netherlands.

The National Crime Agency (NCA) said Francis Coggins, 60, of Huyton, was found outside a property in the Dutch town of Zandvoort on Tuesday.

He was in court in the Netherlands on Wednesday, and will be extradited to the UK, the NCA said.

Det Supt Zoe Russo said: "We work closely with international law enforcement partners to track down and apprehend fugitives, no matter where they try to hide. The message is clear: if you are wanted, we will find you."

Coggins was wanted on a Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TACA) warrant for alleged drug trafficking, the agency said.

He was remanded in custody and will return to court at a later date.

Gill Duggan, head of Europe at the NCA, said the agency had been working extensively with international organisation to track Coggins down and return him to the UK.