£2 Million Of Heroin Seized At Port - Man Arrested

After the discovery of a second large quantity of heroin in a lorry at Dover Ferry Port in just over a week, investigators from HM Revenue & Customs are questioning the driver of the vehicle.

Early yesterday morning, Tuesday 28 July, a lorry was stopped in the freight controls at Dover's Eastern Docks after it had disembarked a ferry from Calais. During a search of the vehicle which was carrying a load of apples, UK Border Agency (UKBA) officers discovered a number of packages hidden within the structure of the refrigerated trailer. The contents of some of the packages tested positive for heroin. Approximately 45 kilos of heroin have been seized, with an estimated street value of £2 million.

Following the detection, the case was passed to HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) investigation officers to continue enquiries. They are currently interviewing the driver, a 48 year old Dutch national.

Bob Gaiger, HM Revenue & Customs Dover spokesman said: "This was a very sophisticated concealment in the floor of the trailer and was an excellent detection by UK Border Agency officers which has led to the seizure of a very significant amount of drugs. 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".

29/07/09 Update: The driver of the lorry, Marcel Paul Volkers (DOB: 03/12/61), from Amsterdam, was charged late last night and is due to appear before Folkestone Magistrates this morning.