Eight Years Imprisonment For Drugs Smuggler

A lorry driver has started an eight year jail term after HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) officers investigated the attempted importation of over 700 kilos of Amphetamine and 119 kilos of cannabis into the UK through Dover's Eastern Docks. The estimated street value of the drugs is over £4 million.

Polish national, Gracjan Marcin Zientara from Pila, Poland, was intercepted by UK Border Agency (UKBA) officers at the inward freight controls at Dover's Eastern Docks driving a Polish registered vehicle on 4 November 2008. Examination of the vehicle and its consignment revealed 34 boxes of amphetamine and cannabis hidden within the load of coffee machines.

The case was passed to investigation officers of HM Revenue & Customs to continue enquiries and Zientara was subsequently charged with drug smuggling offences under the Customs and Excise Management Act 1979.

Malcolm Bragg, Investigation Assistant Director for HM Revenue & Customs, said: "The sentence handed out by the courts will serve as deterrent to others involved in drug smuggling activities. This is a serious offence and individuals will face lengthy jail terms. The success of this latest operation highlights our proactive role in reducing drugs being brought into the UK. Our priority, in partnership with the UKBA, is to wipe out illegal drugs and their availability on city streets. Our efforts will reduce the devastating impact drugs have on individuals as well as the wider effect on local communities. We will continue to take stringent action and bring individuals before the courts. Anyone with information relating to smuggled goods are encouraged to contact the Customs Hotline on 0800 59 5000 or email customs.hotline@hmrc.gsi.gov.uk".

On sentencing Zientara at Canterbury Crown Court this week, Monday 11 May 2009, Recorder Tomlinson commented: "You have been sentenced for two importations: Cannabis and Amphetamine. You committed both offences at the same time. The quantity of Cannabis exceeded 100 kgs. At 100% purity the Amphetamine you had with you weighed 44.2 kgs but had already been mixed with cutting agents and was ready for distribution...... these were very substantial quantities of controlled drugs and they are prohibited for good reason."