April 11, 2014 10.18 am This story is over 119 months old

Suspected cocaine dealer in Lincolnshire hiding in Cyprus

Cyprus fugitive: Hunt for criminals believed to be hiding in Cyprus includes man wanted for allegedly supplying cocaine in Lincolnshire.
Wanted man: Mehmet Salih

A man on the UK’s most wanted list for supplying class A drugs in Lincolnshire could be hiding in Cyprus, according to an appeal by Crimestoppers and the National Crime Agency (NCA).

The campaign, called Operation Zygos, features six new appeals for fugitives, and five remaining suspected criminals from the original campaign in 2012.

The campaign includes Mehmet Salih, who is accused of being involved in a conspiracy to supply cocaine in areas such as Lincolnshire between December 2010 and November 2011.

It is thought he was regularly contacted by an associate, buying the class A drug then delivering it and collecting payments.

He allegedly visited Lincolnshire in May 2011 to deliver cocaine that was recovered by police.

He was arrested and found in possession of £20,000. He was released on bail to appear at a police station later in the year, but failed to attend.

Salih is of proportionate build, with brown eyes, short dark brown hair and a scar on his right eye. He is believed to be in his early to mid 40s, and approximately 5 foot 6 tall.

Crimestoppers, the NCA and the Cypriot Police Authorities (CYPOL) work closely together on campaigns such as these, as well as with the British High Commission in Nicosia.

Crimestoppers’ Regional Manager for the East Midlands, Kiran Dhanda, said: “I hope that criminals in the East Midlands realise that there is no escaping justice for their crimes and would urge the public to look at the most wanted section of our website to see if they recognise any of the individuals listed.

“If you have any information then please contact us anonymously on 0800 555 111 or at crimestoppers-uk.org as your information could prove vital to police.”

Lord Ashcroft, KCMG PC, Founder and Chair of Crimestoppers, said: “Following the last Operation Zygos appeal in Cyprus in 2012, a third of the featured suspects were arrested in just three weeks following the launch.

“The results speak for themselves; these outcomes reiterate the effectiveness of the Crimestoppers model in the UK and overseas in locating criminals attempting to evade justice.

“Operation Zygos aims to ensure members of the public in Cyprus are alert to the possible presence on the island of the eleven wanted individuals.”

Those calling from Cyprus can use the Cypriot number 8000 55 11, which is answered in the UK by Crimestoppers’ call agents. A translation service is available upon request.