A notorious drugs boss, nicknamed “The Fly,” has been recaptured in Romania nine months after his escape during a gunfight that resulted in the deaths of two French prison officers.
According to France’s interior minister, Mohamed Amra was arrested in Romania on Saturday, and Bruno Retailleau hailed the operation while thanking Romania for its cooperation, though details remain unclear.
Police suspected Mohamed Amra would attempt to flee the country.
In May, prison guard Fabrice Moello, 52, and soon-to-be father Arnaud Garcia, 34, were killed during Amra’s escape.
Three more individuals were seriously injured when the convoy transporting Amra from court to prison was ambushed near Rouen.
Security footage showed a black SUV crashing into the front of the prison van and then men in balaclavas surrounding the vehicle engulfed in flames.
An extensive manhunt with hundreds of officers involved and an Interpol red alert was issued globally for Amra’s arrest.
Fabrice Moello and Arnaud Garcia lost their lives during the escape.
At 30, Amra held multiple convictions for minor offenses but was highly suspected of drug trafficking internationally.
He is linked to a strong Marseille gang and is investigated in connection with a kidnapping and homicide in the city.
Amra is also suspected of orchestrating a murder in Spain in 2023.
Read more: Profile: Who is ‘The Fly’?
He had been sentenced to 18 months for burglary at the time of his escape.
A prison source informed Le Parisien that Amra had attempted to cut cell bars two days before the escape attempt and was subsequently placed in isolation.
Read more: Knife attack in France leaves one dead and several police injured
The officers’ deaths prompted a widespread protest by prison staff across France.
President Emmanuel Macron commended the months-long effort to find Amra and expressed his sympathy to the victims’ families.
