One of Britain's most wanted fugitives who was feared to be on the run in Europe was caught – while out jogging.

James ‘Jamie’ Stevenson – who was wanted in connection with the discovery of a large haul of drugs in Kent – was nicked in Bergen op Zoom, Netherlands, while out for a run.

The 56-year-old was taken into custody after an operation by the National Crime Agency, Dutch National Police and Police Scotland.

Stevenson, of Fishcoates, Rutherglen, was named in an NCA appeal just two weeks ago when a new campaign was launched to trace 12 fugitives.

He was wanted by the National Crime Agency and Police Scotland over the seizure of approximately one tonne of cocaine and 28 million Etizolam ‘street Valium’ tablets.

The cocaine was found in a shipment at the Port of Dover in September 2020.

The tablets were seized following a raid on a suspected pill factory in Kent in June 2020.

Stevenson was also wanted in connection with two suspected arson attacks on properties in the Lanarkshire and Forth Valley areas in May 2020.

He was arrested around midday yesterday (Friday) by a Dutch tactical unit in the southern municipality of Bergen op Zoom alongside another man who was also wanted by Police Scotland, after a surveillance operation.

Both men remain in custody and will face extradition proceedings.

NCA regional head of investigation for Scotland Gerry McLean said: “Stevenson was arrested while jogging and was clearly trying to keep himself fit for a life on the run.

"Any arrest of a fugitive over extremely serious allegations is a great result.

“The Agency has been working endlessly with Police Scotland and international partners to trace Stevenson and return him to the UK.

“It does not matter where fugitives go, we will work with partners like the Dutch National Police who’ve provided superb help, to trace and arrest them.”

Tim Mairs, Police Scotland Assistant Chief Constable said: “I am grateful for the assistance of the National Crime Agency and our international law enforcement partners in arresting the men who are wanted in Scotland.

“These men are regarded as dangerous criminals and we could not achieved this without their help.

'I’m extremely encouraged to learn of the successful capture of another fugitive, proving how vital our joint Most Wanted campaign is with the NCA in helping to find these individuals.'

“These arrests demonstrate our unceasing commitment to pursue and arrest those suspected of criminality in Scotland, regardless of their location in the world."

Lord Ashcroft, Crimestoppers founder and chairman, said: “I’m extremely encouraged to learn of the successful capture of another fugitive, proving how vital our joint Most Wanted campaign is with the NCA in helping to find these individuals.

“If you know the whereabouts of any others on our list, you can tell Crimestoppers and stay completely anonymous.

"Our charity is here for you 24/7 – online and on the phone.

"By working together, we can help make our communities safer here in the UK and abroad.”