An alleged drug trafficker has been arrested in London Colney after fleeing from Spain.

Herts Advertiser: The 13ft screen was shown in ex-pat hotspots such as Malaga and BenidormThe 13ft screen was shown in ex-pat hotspots such as Malaga and Benidorm (Image: Archant)

Anthony Dennis, 47, who is regarded as one of Britain’s ‘most wanted fugitives’ by the National Crime Agency (NCA), was arrested on Tuesday (4) on suspicion of drug trafficking offences.

NCA officers suspect he flew back to the UK to avoid being spotted in Spain after a ‘most wanted’ 13ft digital screen featuring his face was driven to ex-pat hotspots including Benidorm, Malaga and Puerto Banus last month.

Lord Ashcroft, KCMG PC, founder and chair of the charity Crimestoppers, said: “It is fantastic that Anthony Dennis has been arrested just four weeks after his face appeared on the screen and I hope this serves as a warning to the remaining fugitives that they cannot escape justice forever.”

He appeared at Westminster Magistrates Court on Wednesday (5) morning and has been remanded in custody until August 28.

The most wanted screen has been implemented as part of Operation Captura; a multi-agency initiative between Crimestoppers, an independent charity, and Spanish authorities.

Dennis is the 69th offender to be arrested as part of the operation.

Lord Ashcroft added: “We had never used the digital advertising screen as part of Operation Captura before but it is clear that sending it into the fugitives’ ‘back yards’ and putting their faces in plain sight has proved incredibly effective.”