British ex-MMA champion, 47, is arrested in Dubai and extradited to UK over drug charges

A FORMER mixed martial arts champion has been arrested in Dubai and extradited to the UK over drug charges.

Paul Cahoon, 47, a former professional mixed martial arts fighter, was arrested by the authorities in Dubai earlier this year.

Police Handout

Police have issued appeals about Cahoon over recent years[/caption]

Cahoon, from Rainhill, near St Helens, was extradited back to the UK by the National Crime Agency.

He appeared before Wirral Magistrates Court on Thursday afternoon.

The Merseyside man competed under the moniker “Boom Boom” as a mixed martial arts fighter.

The light heavyweight won 13 bouts in his 12-year career with
five knockouts, losing a dozen fights.

But in 2015 he was named by police as a wanted man after they targeted a North West based drug gang.

Operation Orlando resulted in the successful prosecution of the gang in 2016.

One of the gang was held after he tried to smuggle two Kinder Surprise eggs filled with cocaine through John Lennon Airport, on his way to a stag do in Spain.

In the past the North West Regional Crime Unit has put out a number of appeals for information about Cahoon’s whereabouts.

Cahoon, well known in MMA circles, took part in some of the country’s first ever cage fights around 2004.

Over recent years the Merseyside man has been strongly linked to Dubai, with claims he was working as a personal trainer in the UAE.

A police spokesperson said: “A 47-year-old man from St Helens has been charged today (Friday 12 July) following a drugs investigation
carried out by detectives from the North West Regional Organised Crime Unit.

“Paul Cahoon of Porter Close, Rainhill, was extradited from Dubai yesterday (Thursday, July 11), with assistance from the NCA’s Extradition Unit, following his detention by Dubai police officers.

“He appeared at Wirral Magistrates Court this afternoon and was remanded into custody.

“Cahoon will next appear at Liverpool Crown Court on August 9, 2024.”