LONDON (AFP) - One of Britain's most-wanted fugitives was arrested by armed officers in Barcelona on Friday (May 4), the UK's National Crime Agency said.

Jamie Acourt, 41, from south London, is wanted for alleged involvement in the large-scale supply of drugs, the NCA said.

Acourt is a former suspect in the Stephen Lawrence murder inquiry - a killing that triggered far-reaching changes to British attitudes and policing.

Prince Harry and his fiancee Meghan Markle attended a memorial on Monday marking the 25th anniversary of the racist murder of the black teenager, who was stabbed to death at a south London bus stop in 1993.

Acourt was never tried in the Lawrence case and has always maintained his innocence.

He was detained on a European Arrest Warrant as he left a Barcelona gym.

Acourt is due to appear in court in Madrid early next week for an extradition hearing.

"Acourt thought he could evade capture but as a result of an intelligence-led operation his days on the run have ended," said Ian Cruxton, the NCA's international operations chief.

"We were able to direct the Spanish authorities to his location in Barcelona.

"Our ability to share information and work at speed with our international partners ensures there is no safe haven for fugitives. We will never stop pursuing these individuals."

The NCA said he was the was the 81st fugitive to be located out of 96 publicised through Operation Captura, which targets Britain's most wanted in Spain.

London's Metropolitan Police said in a statement that the arrest related to a 2016 investigation.