Convicted drug trafficker and WA prison escapee Bernd Neumann arrested in QLD

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Convicted West Australian methamphetamine trafficker Bernd Neumann, who has been on the run since escaping prison nearly two years ago, has been arrested in Queensland.

Neumann, 60, escaped from jail while on day release, walking a puppy during a prisoners' soccer match in the south-eastern Perth suburb of Wilson on February 8, 2014.

Neumann was captured in October after fleeing to Queensland and living in a hidden bush camp-site. Credit: WA Police

He was three years into a 15-year sentence for his part in a major drug trafficking syndicate that included Stephen Cookson - whose head was found washed up in a bag on Rottnest Island in 2013.

WA Police spokesman Samuel Dinnison said Neumann was arrested about 10.45am QLD time on Thursday by local police at a shopping centre in Reedy Creek.

A campsite in QLD police say Neumann has been using. Credit: WA Police

Police have also released an image of a campsite used by Neumann.

The arrest was the result of the ongoing investigation by the Regional Investigations Unit, who were present in QLD at the time of the arrest," he said.

"WA Police thanks QLD Police for their assistance with this investigation and arrest."

Neumann will not be transferred back to WA until police assess how the transfer will affect continuing investigations in QLD.

The campsite Neumann had been using. Credit: WA Police

Since his escape p​olice have enlisted Interpol to aid with inquiries in the UK, Italy, Germany, Thailand and Indonesia, as well as conducting an investigation in Australia focusing along the Queensland/New South Wales border.

Neumann was classified as a minimum risk prisoner at Wooroloo Prison Farm and qualified for day release.

Following his escape the government tightened up on prisoner classifications.

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