Press Release from HMC and UK Border Agency
HM REVENUE & CUSTOMS/UKBA REGIONAL MEDIA BRIEFING
COCAINE SEIZED AT DOVER - LANCASHIRE MAN CHARGED
Officers from the UK Border Agency (UKBA) in Dover have seized approximately 7 kilos of cocaine worth about £280,000 and a small quantity of amphetamine worth about £40.
On Saturday 17 May, a lorry carrying fork lift trucks and a pallet of hammers arrived at Dover's Eastern Docks on a ferry from Calais. It was being driven by a 41 year-old man from Lancashire. During a search of the trailer, UKBA officers discovered the cocaine hidden in a cardboard box on one of the fork lift trucks. A small quantity of amphetamine sulphate, about 4 grammes, was also found in the cab of the vehicle.
Following the detection, the case was passed to HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) Criminal Investigation officers to continue enquiries. The driver of the vehicle, Craig John WARDLEWORTH of 11 Brigsteer Close, Accrington, Lancashire, was interviewed and subsequently charged with attempting to smuggle drugs into the UK. Wardleworth was released on conditional bail and is due to appear before Dover Magistrates on Thursday 22 May 2008. Enquiries are continuing.
Carole Upshall, Regional Director South of UKBA said:
"This is another excellent result. We will continue to work with our partners in HMRC to tackle the smugglers who attempt to bring goods illegally into the UK. Smugglers are criminals who are only out to make a profit; they do not care about the harm that they cause by smuggling whether its drugs, dangerous counterfeit cigarettes or illegal immigrants"
Bob Gaiger, HM Revenue & Customs spokesman in the South East said:
"Vigilance by UKBA officers has prevented these drugs from reaching their destination. UKBA and HMRC will continue to work to the Government's aim of reducing the availability of Class A drugs. Anyone with information about activity they suspect may be linked to drug smuggling should call the HMRC 24-hour hotline on 0800 59 5000. "
ENDS 19/05/2008