Interpol hunting NZ fugitive in Tonga

10:15 AM

The New Zealand branch of Interpol is helping with an investigation into the possible sighting of an escaped prisoner who has been on the run for seven years.

Drug runner Brian James Curtis broke out of Auckland Prison at Paremoremo in 1993.

Recent reports put him in Tonga where it is believed he has been living on a yacht.

However, a search by Tongan police failed to find any trace of him.

Curtis, described as a violent and ruthless man and known as the "Godfather" of New Zealand crime, escaped with convicted murderer Michael Bullock in August 1993.

In June 1999 a former detective spotted a familiar-looking man on the dance floor of the Opera Bar in Wellington's trendy Courtenay Place.

Detectives and uniformed staff surrounded the bar and arrested Bullock as he left with two friends.

Police suggested at the time that Curtis was continuing to operate an international drugs supply network from an overseas base.

Interpol spokeswoman Sarah Martin says they are taking seriously the sighting of Curtis in Tonga and the investigation is expected to be scaled up.

14.06.1999