Man Charged With Smuggling Drugs Through Dover

UK Border Agency officers in Dover have charged a 50 year-old lorry driver with drug smuggling.

Antanas Adomeckis, of Knockbridge, Dundalk, Ireland has been remanded in custody after appearing at Folkestone Magistrates Court on 29 March where he did not enter a plea. He was next due to appear at Dover Magistrates Court today (Thursday 1 April).

Adomeckis was arrested on 27 March at the inward freight controls at Dover's Eastern Docks. UK Border Agency officers had searched a lorry and found a number of taped blocks hidden inside drums in the load. The blocks, which weighed in total approximately 120 kilos, tested positive to cocaine. The drugs have an estimated street value of £4 million.

Enquiries by UK Border Agency investigators are continuing.

Paul Booth, Border Force South, Assistant Director 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."