AN alleged drugs trafficker wanted since 2013 was finally found and arrested while celebrating his 45th birthday in Alderley Edge this week.

David John Walley was arrested by Greater Manchester Police (GMP) on Thursday.

Walley was wanted by the National Crime Agency for alleged trafficking of cocaine and MDMA and possession of false identity documents.

The arrest comes as the NCA reveals its work with UK policing has led to the arrests of another 104 fugitives during lockdown.

Since March 23 NCA intelligence has led to these arrests on European Arrest Warrants for crimes such as rape, drugs trafficking, sexual exploitation and robbery.

And it has been business as usual for the agency abroad too helping to catch fugitives further afield.

In recent weeks the NCA’s work with partners internationally has led to the arrests of suspects in Ireland, Sweden and Cambodia for offences in the UK.

Walley, of Stockport, Greater Manchester, had been wanted since 2013.

A European Arrest Warrant was issued for him and he featured in the joint NCA and Crimestoppers Operation Return fugitives campaign It is claimed he arranged a cocaine importation to Manchester between November 2012 and 2013 It is also claimed that he was in possession of a false identity document in Holland in 2014.

Jon Hughes, NCA operations manager, said: “Walley has been on the run for seven years but law enforcement doesn’t forget about fugitives.

“The NCA will relentlessly pursue fugitives and use our international reach and domestic partnerships to make sure wanted criminals live a life of high anxiety.

“GMP did brilliant work in this case to arrest a suspect wanted as part of an NCA investigation.”

Detective Superintendent Danny Inglis of GMP said: “I hope this arrest goes to show that enforcement agencies will work in partnership in order to bring those wanted into custody.

“No matter how long has passed since any alleged offence, we will always be on hand ready to support colleagues in tracking down fugitives.

“In the current climate there has been added pressure on policing and frontline staff and I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of those involved who work incredibly hard every day to serve and protect the public.”

In a separate GMP investigation, Walley was also charged with possession with intent to supply cocaine and heroin, and possession of £150,000 in criminal property.

Walley will appear at Manchester Magistrates’ Court today.