A Darlington man, who tried to smuggle 17 kilos of cocaine into Dover Eastern Docks, was jailed at Canterbury Crown Court for nine years on Friday (26 June 2009).
UK Border Agency (UKBA) officers intercepted Paul Simon Stephens (30) on 18 April 2009. The drugs with an estimated street value of £750,000 were hidden in the fuel tank of his Jaguar car.
The matter was passed to HM Revenue & Customs' (HMRC) officers for further investigation.
Stephens, who had travelled by ferry from Calais, was charged on 19 April 2009 and pleaded guilty to the offence on Friday 26 June 2009.
Richard Bowen, Acting HMRC Assistant Director Criminal Investigation said:
"Our priority, in partnership with the UKBA, is to wipe out illegal drugs and their availability on UK streets. We will continue to take stringent action and bring individuals before the courts. Anyone with information relating to smuggled goods is encouraged to contact the Customs Hotline on 0800 59 5000 or email customs.hotline@hmrc.gsi.gov.uk."
