Tampa Fugitive Captured after 11 Years On the Run

A 49-year-old Tampa fugitive who fled the country in 2003 was arrested last week on cocaine distribution charges.

George D. Constantakis was arrested by the USMS Friday, Nov. 21 with the assistance of the Drug Enforcement Administration. Constantakis was wanted by the USMS for conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute 5 Kilograms or more of cocaine.

In February 2003, a six-count indictment on Constantakis was returned by a Grand Jury in the Middle District of Florida, Tampa Office. Constantakis immediately fled and his whereabouts were unknown.

After extensive efforts to locate Constantakis, information surfaced suggesting he was in the Bahamas and would be traveling to Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The USMS in Fort Lauderdale, and the DEA in the Bahamas worked together to confirm Constantakis would be traveling to the United States. USMS personnel arrested Constantakis upon arrival in Fort Lauderdale without incident.

Constantakis is currently being held in USMS Custody.

Additional information about the U.S. Marshals Service can be found at http://www.usmarshals.gov.