Fugitive found on island after eight years on run
ARRESTED ON DRUG CHARGES AS HE HID IN RURAL VILLAGE
AN IRISH fugitive arrested in connection with drugs-related offences after being found hiding in Anglesey was not known to locals, it has emerged.
North Wales Police confirmed that the arrest of John Joseph Mullen, who is understood to have been on the run for eight years, took place last Wednesday afternoon.
He was found by North Wales Police officers living under a false identity at Carreglefn.
A European Arrest Warrant had been issued as the 64-year-old was wanted in the Republic of Ireland for drug supply offences.
Last week, locals at Carreglefn were all in shock at the news and shook their heads when asked if they knew of the fugitive.
A few believed that a person could have been him but could not say if he spoke with an Irish accent.
One man, who didn’t want to be named, said: “There was a man who kept himself to himself - and nobody has seen him since Monday - but that’s pure speculation. It shows that nobody knows whose living around you. I’m at a loss as to who he is.
“This is a very large area stretching towards Mynydd Mechell, but something like this shows that you have to be more vigilant. ”
Nobody had heard of the mystery man in the attractive cafe at nearby Llanfechell nor at popular The Ring pub in Rhosgoch.
Owner Mark Gibson said: “It means nothing to me. The only Irish guy I know isn’t him.”
Carreglefn, near the copper mines of Amlwch and in the shadows of the Wylfa nuclear power station with the population spread out and living in houses, cottages, farms and caravans across a wide area. An ideal place to go incognito with almost more windmills and wind turbines than people.
Twrcelyn Cllr Aled Morris Jones said: “This shows the importance of cross border police co-operating to apprehend a criminal peddling drugs and trading in people’s misery. There is no hiding place for drug dealers.”
Detective Chief Inspector Brian Kearney at Caernarfon CID said: “We are continuing to liaise closely with colleagues from the Garda Siochana following the arrest of this individual under a European Arrest Warrant.
“We are totally committed to ensuring that North Wales will not be a safe haven for international criminals.
“Our stance on drug suppliers is very clear - there will be no hiding place.”
Last Thursday, Mullen appeared at Westminster Magistrates Court via video link from prison where he is being held in the meantime.
He appeared for a bail application which was refused because there was a danger he could abscond.
Mullen faces deportation and will next appear at Westminster Magistrates Court on January 19 with a case management hearing on February 9 and an extradition hearing planned for February 13.