£1 Million Of Cocaine Seized At Dover

A Serbian lorry driver from Belgrade is due to appear in court today after being questioned by investigators from HM Revenue & Customs in connection with the seizure of approximately 30 kilos of cocaine worth about £1.2 million at Dover's Eastern Docks.

Yesterday evening, Wednesday 23 September, a lorry carrying pallets of wine arrived on a ferry from Calais. During a search, UK Border Agency officers discovered plastic-wrapped packages in the fifth wheel area 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, Aleksandar Cicic, 39, was interviewed and subsequently charged with attempting to smuggle drugs into the UK. He was due to appear before Dover magistrates this morning. Enquiries are continuing.

Steve Clement, HM Revenue & Customs Senior Investigator in the South East said:

"HMRC together with the UK Border Agency 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. Ports like Dover should not be seen as a soft touch by smugglers. Anyone with information about activity they suspect may be linked to drugs or tobacco smuggling should call our 24 hour Customs Hotline - 0800 59 5000."

Update at 22:39 on 24/09/09:

Aleksandar Cicic pleaded not guilty in court today and was remanded in custody for a week. Next appearance is at Dover Magistrates Court on Thursday, 1 October 2009.