After more than two years on the run, one of the Australia's most wanted men will face Raymond Terrace Local Court today.
Police say 42-year-old Darren Rispen disappeared after being granted bail in 2014 over his involvement in a drug syndicate.
He'd assumed a new identity in that time growing a Ned Kelly-style beard and was dating a woman who had no idea of his past life. He was taken by surprise when police arrested him in Nelson Bay yesterday.
EARLIER
One of Australia's most wanted men has been arrested in Nelson Bay this morning.
The 42-year-old was arrested by police from the Middle Eastern Organised Crime Squad at about 11:30am.
He was placed on Crime Stoppers most wanted list in 2016 after he was granted bail in 2014 charged with alleged drug-related offences and allegedly directing a criminal group, but failed to comply with the bail conditions. A warrant was subsequently issued for his arrest.
Following extensive inquiries since 2014, he was arrested this morning and taken to Raymond Terrace Police Station where he's expected to be charged with the arrest warrant and will most likely appear at court later today.
The man is one of 19 people on Crime Stoppers most wanted list throughout Australia which was compiled in 2016.
In response, the NSW Police Force teamed up with Crime Stoppers Australia for Operation Roam, a nationwide campaign that promotes the exchange of information, regarding wanted people, between policing jurisdictions across the country.
