Arrest of French Fugitive in Thailand Linked to Notorious Drug Lord’s Escape

Adonis Correa, a French fugitive, was arrested in Phuket, Thailand, linked to the prison breakout of notorious drug lord Mohamed Amra. Following a violent escape in May 2024 that resulted in deaths, Correa is the latest of two dozen suspects detained. Having entered Thailand before the issuance of an arrest warrant, he turned himself in and now awaits deportation to France.

Thai authorities have apprehended a French fugitive, Adonis Correa, on the resort island of Phuket, in connection with a notorious prison escape that involved the notorious drug lord, Mohamed Amra, also known as “The Fly.” Correa is regarded as a close associate of Amra, who escaped from a prison van in France in May 2024, leading to a large-scale international manhunt. This latest arrest adds to the more than two dozen suspects already detained in relation to this case.

Correa was arrested by Thai immigration police on Wednesday, with reports indicating that he had entered Thailand on a tourist visa earlier this year. The police specified that Correa is associated with a transnational criminal organization involved in a violent prison breakout that resulted in the deaths of prison officers. Following this violent incident, a red notice was issued by Interpol for Amra’s arrest; he was later captured in Romania after nearly nine months on the run.

Eyewitness accounts of Amra’s escape reveal a coordinated attack by masked gunmen, armed with automatic weapons, who ambushed the prison van, resulting in tragic fatalities and injuries. Prosecutors noted that Amra, who had undergone changes in appearance to evade capture, was ultimately identified through advanced facial recognition and fingerprint technology.

Correa arrived in Thailand on February 8, prior to the issuance of his arrest warrant. Tracking his movements led authorities to the Kamala and Patong areas in Phuket. His legal representative stated that Correa voluntarily presented himself to the Thai authorities, who have since revoked his visa, and he remains in detention in Bangkok as preparations are made for his deportation to France.

Amra, who has been involved in criminal activities since a young age, has a lengthy record of convictions for violent crimes. Prosecutors describe him as a figure of significant importance in the organized crime scene, possessing connections to drug trafficking and suspected involvement in orchestrating murders. Notably, he was incarcerated in Evreux prison on multiple charges, including armed robbery and extortion, and faced additional fresh charges at the time of his escape.

The apprehension of Adonis Correa in Thailand marks a significant development in the ongoing investigation surrounding Mohamed Amra’s violent prison escape. Correa’s connection to Amra underscores the extensive network of individuals involved in organized crime linked to this case. The response from Thai authorities reflects the seriousness of the crimes committed, as they proceed with his deportation back to France, despite the absence of an extradition treaty. Authorities remain focused on dismantling the broader criminal organization linked to both individuals.

Original Source: www.cbsnews.com