Man with Ilford and Wanstead links jailed in connection with importing 15kg of cocaine
Three other men were arrested but Michael Lloyd went on the run for four years. Picture: Crimestoppers - Credit: Archant
A man who went on the run for almost four years to escape drug trafficking charges has been jailed.
Michael Lloyd, 31, who has connections to Ilford and Wanstead, was wanted by the National Crime Agency (NCA) in connection with an attempt to import 15kg of cocaine in 2014.
Three British men were arrested for their involvement in the conspiracy but Lloyd went into hiding.
He was located during a joint operation with the Spanish authorities to track down a separate fugitive, Jamie Acourt, wanted by the Metropolitan Police as part of an investigation into unrelated offences.
The two men were found living together in Barcelona.
Lloyd was extradited back to the UK and pleaded guilty to conspiring to import class A drugs on July, 6 2018.
On Monday, November 19, at Birmingham Crown Court he was jailed for seven years and three months.
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Colin Williams, NCA Branch Commander, said: “Our ability to work closely and quickly with our Spanish partners led the arrest of Lloyd and his subsequent extradition back to the UK.
“After four years on the run, he’s been forced to face up to his crime and a seven-year jail term.
“Many criminals believe they can evade law enforcement and slip under the radar. This case is another example of the fact there is no safe haven for fugitives.”
