A wanted man was spotted escaping the country on a Liverpool ferry - and police are urging him to hand himself in over a major drugs operation.
Kurt McDonough was captured on CCTV boarding a Stena Lagan ship to Belfast on Tuesday, July 9, prompting the National Crime Agency to issue a warrant for his arrest.
He is wanted in relation to an investigation into a drugs ring that saw two gang members jailed for 27 years this week.
Brian Capon, 34, and Michael Downes 32, pleaded guilty to conspiring to supply 58.5 kg of cocaine, 69kg of cannabis and 55kg of cannabis resin.
Property raids during the National Crime Agency (NCA) investigation into the pair in 2017 unearthed cash and lists detailing drugs deals and money made from the selling of Class A and B drugs.
These debtors’ lists and covert recordings of conversations led to the convictions.
Capon, originally of Moreton Avenue, Stretford, Manchester, and Downes, of no fixed abode, pleaded guilty and were jailed for 16 years and eight months and 11 years respectively at Manchester Crown Court on Tuesday, December 3.
Now the NCA is appealing for assistance to track down a third man who is on the run and wanted in connection with the investigation - Kurt McDonough.
NCA Branch Commander Craig Watson said: “We know that on Tuesday, July 9 2019 Kurt McDonough left his bail address in Little Lever, Bolton.
“He took a taxi to Bolton train station before travelling onto Liverpool.
"At about 8.45pm that evening McDonough was seen on-board the Stena Lagan ship to Belfast.”
A warrant was then issued for McDonough’s arrest.
Mr Watson added: “I would urge Kurt to hand himself in. I’ve no doubt someone seeing this appeal will have information about his whereabouts.
“Although we know McDonough took a boat to Belfast, he is known to have connections to Ireland, Liverpool and Manchester.
“Anyone helping McDonough or actively frustrating our efforts to find him could be arrested for assisting an offender."
McDonough is white, 5ft 5 inches tall and has fair-coloured hair. He speaks with a northern accent.
Anyone with information on McDonough’s whereabouts should contact the NCA on 0370 496 7622 or the charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
