Essex Drug Kingpin Nabbed in Bangkok After 6 Years on the Run
Richard Wakeling, 55, from Brentwood, Essex, finally faced justice after fleeing the UK in January 2018 on the eve of his 12-week trial. The drug dealer was caught red-handed in Thailand yesterday, ending a six-year manhunt.
£8 Million Amphetamine Import Scheme Unraveled
Wakeling was convicted in absentia at Chelmsford Crown Court for attempting to smuggle £8 million worth of liquid amphetamine in 2016. He was sentenced to 11 years behind bars in April 2018 but vanished before serving a day.
The prosthetic-legged criminal was placed on the National Crime Agency’s (NCA) Most Wanted list. Authorities issued urgent appeals to track him down.
Thai Police Strike at Bangkok Garage
Officers from the Royal Thai Police arrested Wakeling at a Bangkok garage where he went to collect his car after repairs. He was carrying a fake passport under another identity. For years, Wakeling lived under the radar in the beach town of Hua Hin but couldn’t escape the long arm of the law.
Wakeling remains in Thai custody as extradition proceedings are underway.
NCA Hails Global Effort Behind Capture
“The NCA has worked relentlessly to trace Wakeling and ensure he returns to the UK to serve his prison sentence,” said David Coyle, NCA regional manager for Thailand.
“Thanks to the Attorney General’s prosecutors, Royal Thai Police, and Central Investigations Bureau for their hard work in arresting Wakeling. Our global reach and strong international partnerships made this possible.”
How Wakeling Fled the UK
- On January 5, 2018, Wakeling left his home in Juniper Court, Essex, driving a white Audi Q3.
- His car was spotted near Iver, Bucks, later that day.
- He then took a bus from Heathrow to Glasgow, followed by a ferry from Stranraer to Belfast.
- His car was returned home a week later without him.
The Crime Ring Behind the Import
Following a Border Force checkpoint in April 2016, investigators uncovered Wakeling’s organised crime group. A truck heading to the Channel Tunnel was stopped, revealing drums filled with liquid amphetamines.
Although officially transporting furniture from Italy, the driver was diverted to Belgium to pick up the drugs, orchestrated by Wakeling.
He worked with contacts in the Netherlands and coordinated with two other UK criminals to organise the haul. Authorities believe the gang made at least six other successful imports before their bust.
“Wakeling had connections across Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland, Canada, Spain, and Thailand,” said Jacque Beer, NCA regional head of investigations. “Working with partners worldwide and aided by public tips from Crimewatch appeals, we’ve finally caught him.”
Justice Served at Last
After years on the run, Richard Wakeling’s arrest sends a clear message: no crook can hide forever. The international dragnet continues as the NCA and global partners hunt UK fugitives worldwide.
