‘Most wanted crim’ Darren Rispen caught after two years on run

ONE of Australia’s most wanted men, alleged to be a major drug kingpin, had been living just 20m from a NSW police station while on the run for more than two years.

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ONE of Australia’s most wanted men — an alleged drug kingpin — has been living just 20m from a NSW police station while on the run for more than two years.

Police claim Darren Rispen, 42, tried to flee yesterday when he was confronted by Middle Eastern Organised Crime Squad officers as he walked down the main street of Nelson Bay, north of Newcastle.

Rispen, who is wanted for jumping bail in October 2014 while facing money laundering and drug supply charges, was living under the name of Craig Lewis and had grown a Ned Kelly-style beard to change his appearance, it will be alleged.

It is believed he has been living in the popular resort town, near the local police station, for at least six months and he has been dating a local woman, who is aged in her 20s.

Rispen was on the run after skipping bail in 2014.

The 42-year-old had grown a large beard and changed his appearance.

Rispen is alleged to be one of Australia’s biggest drug kingpins.

Police said the woman had no idea she had become involved with a man who was on the country’s Most Wanted list and alleged to have links with an international drug cartel and the Comanchero bikie gang.

Rispen had been on a combined $700,000 bail after his arrest in July 2014 and again in October that year on charges of money laundering and being part of a criminal network that had bought a plane allegedly used to import drugs.

Just a week after he was granted bail a second time he failed to report to Campbelltown police station and a warrant for his arrest was issued. He has been on the run ever since.

Before yesterday’s arrest Rispen is alleged to have lived the high life, enjoying fast cars, a city apartment and regular visits to Star City casino.

A plane allegedly used to import drugs. Picture: AAP

Police said Rispen yesterday left the unit he was renting in Nelson Bay with a female companion about 11am and travelled a short distance to the centre of town, where he got out of the car carrying a bag.

When detectives challenged him, they claim he tried to run but was quickly caught and arrested.

Rispen was taken to nearby Raymond Terrace police station, where late yesterday he was charged.

Rispen briefly appeared at Raymond Terrace Local Court today but did not apply for bail and it was formally refused by Magistrate Caleb Franklin.

The case was adjourned to Campbelltown Local Court on July 5 where he will face 30 charges including two counts of failing to appear at court in accordance with bail conditions.

The wanted image of Darren Rispen as he looked before he went on the run.

The remaining charges, from 2014, relate to alleged drug supply and possession, knowingly directing a criminal group, dealing with the proceeds of crime, dishonestly obtaining a financial advantage by deception, and using and interfering with energy network operators.

His arrest follows the unrelated capture of another of Australia’s most wanted fugitives at Windsor in Sydney’s northwest over the weekend.

Rispen’s lifestyle in Nelson Bay was a far cry from the $1200-a-week Sydney apartment he enjoyed before his arrest in 2014.

The alleged drug lord also drove expensive cars and dined regularly at The Star casino, where he played in poker tournaments.