Cannabis Seized At Dover Docks

A Greek lorry driver was due to appear in court today after officers from the UK Border Agency (UKBA) seized approximately 371 kilos of cannabis at Dover's Eastern Docks over the weekend. The drugs have an estimated street value of £111,300.

On Saturday 1 August 2009, a German registered lorry was stopped after it arrived on a ferry from Calais. During a search of the vehicle and its load of plastic rolls, UKBA officers noticed the floor had recently been relaid and discovered the cannabis hidden in the floor of the trailer.

Following the detection, the case was passed to HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) investigation officers to continue enquiries. The driver of the vehicle, Alexandros Chalkidis, 64, from Athens, Greece, was arrested on suspicion of smuggling the approximately 371 kilos of cannabis into the UK.

Chalkidis 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.

Chalkidis was remanded in custody and was due to appear in Folkestone Magistrates today.

Georgina Myles, HMRC Dover spokesperson 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."