Folkestone Lorry Driver Jailed For Drug Smuggling Through Dover

Mason Stephens, 33, a lorry driver of St Michael Street, Folkestone, was jailed on Friday (21 November 2008) at Canterbury Crown Court for seven years and three months for attempting to smuggle over 9.9kgs of cocaine into the UK. The estimated street value of the drugs is £480,000.

On the 30 July 2008 UK Border Agency (UKBA) officers at Dover's Eastern Docks intercepted a British registered lorry at the inward freight lanes. Officers searched the lorry, which was being driven by Stephens, and found in a cab locker a holdall which contained the drugs in tape wrapped packages, hidden beneath items of clothing.

Stephens was arrested and the case passed to HM Revenue & Customs for further investigation. Stephens pleaded guilty to the attempted importation on 6 October 2008 at Canterbury Crown Court.

Georgina Myles HMRC Regional Press Officer for London and Thames Valley said: "Our investigators and their UK Border Agency colleagues are determined to stop drugs entering the UK and reduce the associated harm to our communities. Anyone with information relating to smuggled goods should contact Customs' 24 hour hotline on 0800 59 5000".