Lorry Driver Charged With Drug Smuggling

UK Border Agency officers in Dover have charged a man from Northern Ireland with drug smuggling.

Nigel Donnolly, 42, of Cookstown, County Tyrone has been remanded in custody until he next appears at Dover Magistrates Court on 25 February.

Mr Donnelly was arrested following an incident on 17 February at the inward freight controls at Dover's Eastern Docks. UK Border Agency officers searched a lorry and trailer and uncovered approximately 350 kilos of cannabis with an estimated street value of £900,400 in a load of frozen chips.

Enquiries by UK Border Agency investigators are continuing.

Malcolm Bragg, Assistant Director of Criminal and Financial Investigations for the UK Border Agency, said:

"UK Border Agency officers work tirelessly 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to detect and prevent drugs from being smuggled into the UK. We are determined to prevent this terrible trade which can have such a destructive impact on the lives of so many.

"Anyone with information about activity they suspect may be linked to drug smuggling should call the Customs Hotline on 0800 59 5000."