£400,000 Cocaine Seized At Dover's Eastern Docks

A man from Essex is due to appear in court today after officers from the UK Border Agency (UKBA) seized approximately 10 kilos of cocaine worth about £400,000 at Dover's Eastern Docks.

During the evening of Tuesday 14 July, a Ford Transit van was stopped after it had disembarked a ferry. During a search of the vehicle which was carrying plastic garden ornaments, UKBA officers discovered 10 black-taped packages under the passenger seat of the vehicle. The contents 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, Stephen Peter Walford , 50, of 44 Caister Drive, Pitsea, Basildon, Essex, was interviewed and subsequently charged with attempting to smuggle Class A drugs into the UK. He is due to appear before Dover Magistrates this morning, Thursday 16 July.

HMRC enquiries are continuing.

Bob Gaiger, HM Revenue & Customs spokesman in the South East said:

"Vigilance by UKBA officers has prevented these drugs from reaching their destination. UKBA and HMRC will continue to work to the Government's aim of reducing the availability of Class A drugs. Anyone with information about activity they suspect may be linked to drug smuggling should call the HMRC 24-hour Customs Hotline on 0800 59 5000."