8 Jul 2013 13:41

A dangerous drugs baron who skipped bail over 13 years ago has been arrested in Spain.

Six foot 20 stone Mark Lilley - one of Britain's most wanted fugitives - was found hiding naked in a panic room hidden behind a bedroom wardrobe in a luxury villa

The powerfully-built bodybuilder fled the UK in 2000 after finishing his evidence and was sentenced to 23 years in his absence.

Two years later he even tried to get his conviction over-turned by phoning his legal team from abroad - the appeal was thrown out.

He was on a Crimestoppers list of most wanted fugitives.

Lilley, 41, was arrested in Alhaurin de la Torre, near Malaga.

Forty armed Spanish officers stormed the building at dawn.

Lilley fled from his bed into the secret room alerted by the barking of dogs that were patrolling the grounds of the villa.

Inside the panic room were banks of computers controlling CCTV cameras all around the villa.

He watched as police closed in on him and eventually surrendered.

A firearm was recovered.

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The ex-gas fitter from Newton-le-Willows in Cheshire was spotted in Playa de las Americas, Tenerife, during 2003, where a holidaying policeman - a former schoolfriend of the fugitive - spotted him behind the wheel of a Mercedes.

Officers from the National Crime Squad travelled to the Canary Islands but could not track Lilley down.

In April, 2000 Lilley was convicted of conspiracy to supply cocaine, heroin, ecstasy, amphetamines and cannabis resin as well as possessing a firearm with intent to cause fear or violence.

Fellow gang members were also given lengthy jail terms.

The National Crime Squad described Lilley “as one of the worst types of drug dealers who would use violence against people who crossed him”.

His conviction followed an investigation which was carried out by the NCS.

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Drugs totalling £1.2million were seized from homes as part of police raids and detectives bugged Lilley’s home in a bid to obtain evidence.

In 2002, Lilley - who was also known as Fatboy -failed in an audacious appeal bid to get his sentence quashed.

He instructed to his barrister via a mobile phone but never attended court.

Dave Allen, Head of the Fugitives Unit at the UK’s Serious Organised Crime Agency, said: “Lilley was a dangerous man with access to firearms. He had evaded capture for a long time by moving around Spain and using false identities. Now he’s behind bars where he belongs and extradition proceedings are underway.

“My message for other fugitives on the run is a simple one – we will hunt you down and you will face justice for your crimes.”

Roger Critchell, Director of Operations at Crimestoppers, said: “We are extremely relieved that this dangerous drug-dealer has been arrested and will be made to face justice. This latest capture brings the total number of suspects located as part of Operation Captura to 51 out of 65.

“We would like to thank the public for all their support and information so far but also remind them that there are still 14 dangerous individuals we still need to locate and Crimestoppers will not rest until we find them. Please tell us what you know, not who you are.”

Watch the moment Lilley is arrested