70-year-old drug dealer has been put behind bars after a nearly decade on the run

A 70-YEAR-OLD man who has been on the run for almost a decade after being exposed as a drug dealer has finally been put behind bars – after being traced to a Bulgarian beach resort.
Michael Hogan, formally of Waltdene Close, Great Barr, was part of a drug circle linked to a cannabis haul worth almost £400,000 which was discovered at a flat in Acocks Green back in June 2007.
The three other men involved were caught and later jailed for a total 16 years.
But Hogan – whose fingerprints were found on the drugs packaging and cannabis press at the Tavistock Road flat – managed to dodge numerous arrests and fled to Dublin on July 9.
A European Arrest was issued in his name but drew a black until August 2 this year when he was detained near his home in the Black Sea resort of Varna.
After returning to the UK, he appeared at Birmingham Crown Court on October 18 where he admitted possessing drugs with the intent to supply and was jailed for four years and eight months.
Detective Constable, Wendy Cordell said: “Cases like this show that crime suspects on the run can never rest easily: they always need to look over their shoulder as justice could catch up with them at any moment.
“Hogan was involved with the preparation and distribution of drugs on a significant scale.
“When officers searched the flat they found 130kg of cannabis and an array of drugs paraphernalia including scales, packaging and hydraulic presses.
“He clearly had plans to enjoy retirement in Bulgaria – but unfortunately for him he’ll be spending the next few years behind bars.”