Wayne McNally was jailed in 2007

by Lynn Cox

A drug dealer from who went on the run in Spain for almost three years has started a 10-year jail sentence.

Robert Colyer, 41, from Island Road, Sturry, near Canterbury, fled the UK before his trial.

In 2007, he, along with Chatham man, Wayne McNally and Shane Lettice, from Dundee, were convicted of supplying cannabis, with an estimated street value of £2 million, at Canterbury Crown Court.

Despite his absence, Colyer was found guilty and was sentenced to 10 years.

McNally of Ryde Close, who was a 36-year-old car valeter at the time, pleaded guilty to supplying drugs and was given five years.

Lettice was given three-and-a-half years after being found guilty.

Colyer, who was brought back to the UK, was given four extra months in jail for failing to attend court.

The dealers were originally arrested in May 2005 as part of a police operation targeting the supply of large quantities of the drug.

The operation involved Kent Police’s organised crime unit and the Scottish Drug Enforcement Agency (SDEA).

Colyer absconded with his wife and two children, but a police investigation found him living in Malaga and a European arrest warrant was obtained in July.

Det Insp Eddie Fox, from the organised crime unit said: “It is very satisfying to finally bring this case to a conclusion.

“Colyer was a major player in an international drugs syndicate that knew no boundaries.

“This was a particularly serious crime made worse by the fact that the offender went on the run and lived as a fugitive for nearly three years.

“This case sends a clear message to anyone involved in this type of crime. Kent Police will do everything possible to ensure that offenders are held accountable for their actions and where they run from the law we will pursue them until caught and bring them back to Britain no matter how much time passes.

“Kent Police will now apply to the courts for the £92,000 in cash that was restrained by officers following the original investigation.”