Birmingham Drug Dealer Jailed After 10 Years On The Run

26 October 2016, 15:19 | Updated: 26 October 2016, 15:43

A drug dealer from Birmingham who went on the run almost a decade's been jailed for more than 4 and a half years.

Michael Hogan (pictured), now aged 70, was part of a four-strong group of men linked to a cannabis haul worth almost £400,000 uncovered at a flat in Acocks Green back in June 2007.

Three men were caught at the time and later jailed for a total 16 years.

But Hogan – whose fingerprints were found on drugs packaging and a cannabis press at the Tavistock Road flat – managed to dodge numerous arrest attempts by police before fleeing the country on 9 July to Dublin.

A European Arrest Warrant was issued in his name but drew a blank until 2 August this year when Hogan, formally of Waltdene Close in Great Barr, was detained near his home in the Black Sea resort of Varna.

He was returned to the UK and, after admitting possessing drugs with intent to supply, appeared at Birmingham Crown Court on 18 October when he was jailed for four years and eight months.

Investigating officer, Detective Constable Wendy Cordell, said: “Cases like this show that crime suspects on the run can never rest easily: they always need to look over their shoulder as justice could catch up with them at any moment.

“Hogan was involved with the preparation and distribution of drugs on a significant scale. When officers searched the flat they found 130kg of cannabis and an array of drugs paraphernalia including scales, packaging and hydraulic presses.

“He clearly had plans to enjoy retirement in Bulgaria – but unfortunately for him he’ll be spending the next few years behind bars.”

Bulgarian authorities were alerted to Hogan’s movements when he tried to renew an ID card near his home address.

He later admitted travelling to Ireland, and moving on to Spain, before hiding out in Bulgaria.