1 March 2013 11:53 GMT

http://news.stv.tv/scotland/215955-scots-money-laundering-suspect-arrested-on-return-to-uk-from-spain/

A man accused of money laundering who went to Spain in an apparent attempt to evade police has been arrested on his return to a UK airport.

The 43-year-old man, who has not been named, was wanted by the Scottish Crime and Drug Enforcement Agency (SCDEA) in connection with money laundering and drugs offences.

Officers arrested him at Belfast International Airport as he got off a flight from Malaga on Wednesday.

He is thought to have gone on the run after the agency carried out a series of raids in Glasgow and Lanarkshire in June 2011, which targeted an organised crime gang.

When officers went to his home, the man had disappeared.

The man has been charged under the Misuse of Drugs Act and in connection with money laundering. A report has been sent to the procurator fiscal.

Detective chief superintendent Athol Aitken, head of investigations for the SCDEA, said: "This individual fled the country to avoid the attention of Scottish law enforcement and the Scottish justice system.

"His apprehension should be a clear message to others who attempt to evade law enforcement that there is no hiding place for those involved in serious organised crime.

"We will continue to work closely with our European colleagues to ensure that criminals face due criminal process, irrespective of the passage of time."