EncroChat Operation Venetic probe: Warning issued as hunt under way for wanted man David McAlpine

An appeal has been launched to trace a man with links to Scotland who is wanted as part of a large-scale drugs investigation.

David McAlpine, from Liverpool, has links to the city as well as Wick and Thurso in the Highlands, Merseyside and North Wales.

Officers from the National Crime Agency (NCA) want to speak to the 31-year-old in connection with an investigation into the distribution of class A and B drugs throughout the UK.

The public has been urged not to approach him.

McAlpine has been described as 6ft tall, with a broad build, hazel eyes and a scar on his forehead.

Previously, he had shoulder length ginger hair but has also worn it shaved.

His last known address was a barge moored on a canal in Maghull, Sefton, Merseyside.

The investigation is part of Operation Venetic – the NCA led response to the takedown of encrypted communications platform EncroChat.

NCA branch commander Mick Pope said: “McAlpine will know he is wanted by the NCA and must be under significant stress. If he is reading this, I urge him to make contact with us.”

Anyone with information on his whereabouts should contact the National Crime Agency immediately on 0370 496 7622 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.