The Spanish police have arrested two British brothers who were on the run from UK justice for drug trafficking and a violent robbery of over GBP 1 million.

Both suspects were allegedly involved in the large-scale trafficking of cocaine and cannabis while the eldest is accused of taking part in a robbery of over GBP 1 million, according to the Spanish National Police, who provided no further details of the theft.

The youngest brother reportedly specialised in rollovers, stealing drugs from other criminal organisations, and is also considered a violent suspect.

The brothers were located in the municipality of Orihuela in the Spanish province of Alicante where they blended in with the large British expat community for almost a year.

The Spanish police said they were informed of their likely presence in the country in August last year.

The UK’s National Crime Agency informed the Spanish National Police that the two brothers were suspected of leading a criminal organisation dedicated to the large-scale trafficking of cocaine and cannabis and were probably hiding out in the country, and an investigation was launched.

The National Police said the operation proved difficult as the suspects frequently changed their identities and moved around a lot.

In December last year, the police suspected they were staying in Orihuela, where there is a large British community, and concentrated their focus on the area.

The police then tracked down the brothers to a residence and observed their activities.

When Spanish cops saw them loading a van with suspicious items with two other people, the officers swooped and the British brothers reportedly tried to escape by ramming the patrol car.

However, the police were finally able to bring both suspects under arrest.

It is unclear when the suspects will be deported back to the UK to face justice.