A convicted drug dealer has been on the run for more than three weeks after scaling the fence of an open prison – and police believe he is being helped by a network of associates.
Oliver Mazirel, 38, was serving a sentence for conspiracy to supply Class A drugs when he broke out of HMP Ford near Arundel in Sussex on the night of June 30. CCTV captured him moments before he escaped from lawful custody, but his whereabouts since then remain unknown.
“Oliver Mazirel, a convicted drug dealer, escaped HMP Ford on June 30; police arrest two and seek public's help.”
Detectives have already arrested two men from Worthing, aged 35 and 38, on suspicion of assisting Mazirel after his escape. A third person is also being sought for allegedly helping the fugitive.
Detective Inspector Gary Jacobs of Sussex Police issued a stark warning to anyone considering hiding the prisoner: “We intend to return Mazirel to prison and I want to make it very clear as to the consequences of assisting someone who remains at large. It is a serious offence that carries a prison sentence of up to ten years.”
Mazirel is described as 5’7” tall with short light brown hair. Police say he has links to Worthing and Littlehampton, and have launched Operation Patch to track him down.
DI Jacobs appealed directly to the public: “I am urging the public to come forward with information, however small, that could help us in our search for Mazirel. Anyone who sees him or knows of his whereabouts is urged to dial 999 immediately, quoting Operation Patch.”
Information can also be passed anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers online or by calling 0800 555 111.
The search continues, with police determined to return Mazirel to custody before he can reoffend or disappear further.