Cocaine Seized At Dover's Eastern Docks - Man Charged

A man from Leicester is due to appear in court tomorrow after officers from the UK Border Agency (UKBA) seized approximately 5 kilos of cocaine worth about £200,000 at Dover's Eastern Docks.

During the evening on Friday 24 October, an Audi car was stopped after it had arrived on a ferry from Calais. During a search of the vehicle, UKBA officers discovered 5 packages hidden in the rear quarter panels of the vehicle. The contents of one of the packages tested positive for cocaine.

Following the detection, the case was passed to HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) investigation officers to continue enquiries. The driver of the vehicle, Narendra Kalidas Suchak, 56, from Hamilton, Leicester, was interviewed and subsequently charged with attempting to smuggle drugs into the UK. He was granted police bail and was due to appear before Dover Magistrates this morning (Monday 27 October).

HMRC enquiries are continuing and £3,500 cash was later recovered from a house in Leicester.

Bob Gaiger, HM Revenue & Customs spokesman in the South East said: "This was an excellent detection by UK Border Agency officers which led to the seizure of a large amount of cash under the Proceeds of Crime Act. HMRC together with UKBA play a vital role in the fight to prevent illegal drugs from entering the UK and in protecting our communities from the violence and corruption that always accompany this hideous trade. Anyone with information about activity they suspect may be linked to drugs smuggling should call our 24 hour Customs Hotline - 0800 59 5000."