A Weston-super-Mare man who was named as one of the UK’s ‘most wanted’ after going on the run has pleaded guilty to drugs conspiracy and money laundering charges. Alex Male, 32, was arrested as part of a South West Regional Organised Crime Unit (SWROCU) investigation into class A drugs supply across the region. His arrest was part of Operation Venetic, the UK response to the takedown of Encrochat, an encrypted messaging service that was used by criminals worldwide.
On September 13 he pleaded guilty at Exeter Crown Court to conspiracy to supply cocaine, conspiracy to supply ketamine, and money laundering. He pleaded not guilty to conspiracy to acquire a firearm and ammunition – these offences will lay on file. .
The group supplied more than 130 kilos of cocaine worth £4.5 million across the South West, including in Portsmouth, Trowbridge, Bristol and Bridgwater. Male was released on bail following but breached his conditions and fled abroad.
He was added to the National Crime Agency’s (NCA) ‘most wanted’ list in January 2022. Earlier this year Male was arrested in Morocco, detained, and extradited back to the UK last month. He had previously been arrested in Turkey after trying to enter the country from Portugal.
Det Chief Insp Adam Smith from the SWROCU said: "Male has repeatedly tried to avoid facing justice for the serious offences he committed, but he finally pleaded guilty to his role in organising the supply of huge amounts of class A and B drugs and laund.