‘WARRINGTON’s most wanted man’ is still in custody in Dubai awaiting extradition to the UK, a year after his arrest.

Leon Cullen was detained by police in the United Arab Emirates on January 3 2020 on an international arrest warrant after nearly two years on the run.

But, 12 months on, extradition proceedings to bring the 32-year-old back to this country in order to face criminal proceedings are still ongoing.

The alleged drugs gang boss was held after an ‘extensive operation’ by Cheshire Police’s serious and organised crime unit in partnership with the National Crime Agency, the North West Regional Organised Crime Unit, Interpol and authorities in the UAE.

He is suspected of being the head of a major cocaine ring operating in the town, members of which were jailed for 185 years in 2019 – including Leon’s twin brother Anthony Cullen, who was given 27 years behind bars.

A series of dawn raids were executed in connection with the drugs gang on the morning of January 10 2018.

But Leon Cullen managed to avoid arrest and was rumoured to be in hiding in locations such as Spain, Thailand and the UAE.

His extradition proceedings have reportedly been subject to delays due to an ongoing ‘civil dispute’ in the Middle East, hampering his return to the UK.

A Cheshire Police spokesman confirmed to the Warrington Guardian that Cullen remains ‘in Dubai awaiting extradition’, but was unable to add any further comment.

Detective inspector Giles Pierce said after his capture last year: “Cullen’s arrest has been a long time coming, and I am extremely pleased that our hard work and determination to pursue him has paid off.

“We have worked closely with the NCA, the NWROCU and agencies abroad to help detain Cullen for offences relating to a conspiracy to supply and possess firearms and drugs in the Warrington area.

“I hope this serves as a reminder to those who attempt to evade the police that, no matter how far you run and how long for, we will always catch up with you.”