Border Force seize cocaine and heroin at Dover Docks

Border Force officers are investigating after an estimated 107 kilos of cocaine and five kilos of heroin were seized at Dover's Eastern Docks.

The drugs, which have a street value running into millions of pounds, were discovered on Sunday 9 December when officers stopped a Slovenian-registered lorry after it had arrived into the port on a ferry from Dunkirk.

After questioning the driver officers, aided by a detector dog, searched the lorry and its load of metal and machinery. The drugs were found hidden in one of the trailer's outside lockers.

A 48-year-old man, Ales Veverka from Liberec in the Czech Republic appeared at Folkestone Magistrates Court today (Tuesday 11 December 2012), charged with the attempted importation. He pleaded not guilty and was remanded in custody. He will re-appear at Folkestone Magistrates Court on 18 December 2012.

The drugs will be referred for forensic analysis to determine the purity of the cocaine and heroin found.

Paul Morgan, Director Border Force South East & Europe, said: "This is a major seizure of Class A drugs, and will put a big dent in the profits of the criminal gang behind this smuggling attempt. These are evil drugs which ruin the lives of users and cause significant damage to local communities.

"Our officers work round the clock, using the latest technology, sniffer dogs and their own expertise to stay one step ahead of those involved in the illegal drugs trade."

Anyone with information about activity they suspect may be linked to drug smuggling can call the smuggling hotline on 0800 59 5000.