Habib Khan was arrested at Manchester International Airpor t after arriving from Islamabad. The 27-year-old is alleged to be connected with the supply of heroin in the north of England.

He is cur rently being questioned by officers from Cleveland’s Organised Crime Unit about his alleged involvment in the conspiracy to supply heroin. Officers had received information that Khan had fled to Pakistan following last year’s successful Operation Bridpor t, which saw a series of co-ordinated raids in Cleveland and Durham that smashed a major car tel which is thought to have had a minimum turn over of £8 million a year.

Det Sgt Chris Sadler, who heads the investigation said: “We have been relentless in our quest to track Khan down. There have been widespread appeals throughout the media to trace his whereabouts. We had information that he had been hiding in Pakistan and he was arrested immediately as he came through customs at Manchester Airport.

“This should send out a clear message that if you go on the run from Cleveland Police you will have to run for ever. We do not forget people and we will ensure there will be no hiding place.”

He added: “Khan’s arrest should also reassure the public about the effectiveness of our border controls – and the vigilance of our colleagues policing the airpor ts.”

Khan is currently being held at Middlesbrough police station.