Pensioner Jailed For Drug Smuggling

A 65 year-old grandfather who smuggled 286 kilos of cannabis resin worth £824,000 into the UK through Dover in the back of his camper van was jailed for five years today.

Robert Orchard was travelling with his daughter and nine year old grandson when he was arrested as he returned from France on a ferry which docked at Dover. The drugs were hidden under the rear bunk of the Fiat camper van he was driving.

He was sentenced for being knowingly concerned in the importation of cannabis resin, following an investigation by HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) officers. He pleaded guilty to the offence at Canterbury Crown Court on the 4th August 2008.

UK Border Agency (UKBA) officers stopped him at Dover Eastern Docks on the 19th April 2008.

HMRC criminal investigation officers then took over the enquiry working alongside prosecutors from Revenue & Customs Prosecutions Office (RCPO).

Malcolm Bragg, Assistant Director Criminal Investigation for HMRC, said:

"This case shows if you are caught smuggling drugs you will go to jail regardless of your age. Our criminal investigators pursue those who mastermind and finance this type of illegal trade. Working in partnership with UKBA detection officers we stopped a huge amount of cannabis resin reaching the UK's streets. We would encourage anyone with information relating to smuggled goods to contact the customs hotline number on 0800 59 5000 or email: customs.hotline@hmrc.gov.uk."

In passing sentence His Honour Judge O'Sullivan said:

"There is no doubt you played a significant part in this importation. An aggravating feature is you planned this operation and placed your daughter in danger of arrest. She was accused of being involved, which placed your grandson with the prospect of being without a mother's care. You put your family through an ordeal."

This case was successfully prosecuted by Revenue & Customs Prosecutions Office (RCPO). RCPO is an independent prosecuting authority which reports to the Attorney General and is responsible for the prosecution of all HMRC cases in England and Wales.