A Liverpool man has been jailed for 20 years after HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) officers investigated the attempted importation of 90.18 kilos of heroin and 10.97 kilos of cocaine into the UK through Dover Ferry Port. The estimated street value of the drugs is about £4.5 million.
Following the discovery of the drugs in a car at Dover Ferry Port on 1 September 2008, a forensic examination of the inner packaging in which the drugs were wrapped gave a positive match to marks recorded on the National Automated Fingerprint Identification System as belonging to a Simon Madu of 32 Penmann Crescent, Liverpool.
On 15 January 2009, officers from Merseyside Police arrested Madu, 33, on behalf of H.M Revenue and Customs. A search of a vehicle he was in revealed a quantity of 6000 Euros and £600 in Scottish notes. Madu stated to Police that this money was his as he was planning to leave the UK the following day for good. Madu was subsequently interviewed by HMRC investigators and charged with attempting to smuggle the drugs into the UK.
Madu was convicted at Canterbury Crown Court on 16 July 2009 and was sentenced yesterday.
Malcolm Bragg, Investigation Assistant Director for HM Revenue & Customs, said:
"The sentence handed out by the court 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".
