A German national appeared in court on Monday (18 May) after officers from the UK Border Agency (UKBA) seized approximately 30 kilos of heroin at Dover's Eastern Docks over the weekend. The drugs have an estimated street value of £1.5 million.
On Saturday 16 May 2009, a Kia Clarus car was stopped after it arrived on a ferry from Calais. During a search of the vehicle, UKBA officers discovered 28 kilos of diamorphine (heroin) hidden in a false bulkhead behind the rear seats of the car and a further two kilos hidden in a front airbag.
Following the detection, the case was passed to HM Revenue & Customs investigation officers to continue enquiries. The driver of the vehicle, Heinz Dieter Pehl, 65, from Menden in Germany, was arrested on suspicion of smuggling approximately 30 kilos of heroin into the UK.
Pehl was interviewed and subsequently charged with being knowingly concerned in the fraudulent evasion or attempted evasion of the prohibition on importation imposed by section 3(1) of the Misuse of Drug Act 1971.
Pehl pleaded not guilty and was remanded in custody by Folkestone Magistrates and was due to reappear at Dover Magistrates Court today (21 May).
Bob Gaiger, HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) Dover spokesman said:
"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."
