Thailand nabs British drug suspect wanted by France

BANGKOK - A British fugitive accused of running a gang that smuggled hundreds of kilos of heroin and cocaine has been arrested in Thailand and faces extradition to France, police said Thursday.

Michael Alan France, 53, fled to Thailand in 2008 after French police seized 95 kilos (209 pounds) of heroin and 28 kilos of cocaine from suspected gang members, according to Thai immigration officials.

They said in total, French police believe the gang smuggled 375 kilos of drugs through France into Britain.

He was detained at his seaside condominium in the resort town of Cha-Am southwest of Bangkok on Wednesday at the request of the French authorities.

"He lived with his Thai wife in a luxury condominium. He had no job here," said Thai Immigration Bureau deputy commander Major General Montree Potanand.