British fugitive who lived in luxury on Thai island finally caught

A British fugitive wanted on alleged drug charges in the United Kingdom was arrested in Thailand.

Ben Stephen Ransome, 28, had been living in luxury on holiday island Phuket until his arrest at a restaurant in the Rawai district on September 2.

He was suspected of being a member of a drug trafficking gang and had reportedly fled to Thailand in 2022 to escape a lengthy sentence. The Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) said Ben's arrest came following a request from the UK's National Crime Agency for his extradition.

Police launched an investigation and found that Ben was staying at a luxury condominium and pool villa in Phuket. He had been competing as a prizefighter in local boxing matches under the alias 'Billy Roberts'.

Officials detained him for 'conspiracy to supply Class A drugs (cocaine and heroin), conspiracy to supply Class B drugs (ketamine), and conspiracy to acquire or possess criminal property'.

Ben denied all charges during questioning.

CIB Commissioner Police Lieutenant General Jirapop Phuridet said: ‘We handed the British man over to the International Affairs Department of the Office of the Attorney-General.

'He has denied the charges, but we are preparing to deport him back to the UK.'

Ben is being held in custody while a deportation flight is organised.

Police Lieutenant Colonel Pongsak Meemusik, who is overseeing the investigation with the Crime Suppression Sub-division 5 under the Central Investigation Bureau, added: 'The suspect has been arrested because he was wanted in the UK. He will be deported.'