Two suspected smuggling attempts foiled by Border Force

Border Force officers have foiled two suspected smuggling attempts at Dover in the space of two days.

On Tuesday 12 June officers based at border controls in Dover intercepted a British-registered lorry. On searching the vehicle and its load of frozen spinach officers discovered approximately 10 kilos of heroin and 11-and-half kilos of cocaine.

The heroin has an estimated street value of £400,000. It is estimated the cocaine could have had a potential value of approximately £1.1 million pounds when cut and sold on the street.

A 43-year old man, Peter Horton from Burntwood, Staffordshire, appeared at Canterbury Magistrates Court on Wednesday (13 June 2012) charged with the attempted importation. He withheld his plea and was bailed by the court. He will next appear at Folkestone Magistrates Court on 13 August.

The second seizure was made on 11 June, when officers found approximately 100 kilos of cannabis hidden in a Spanish-registered lorry. The drugs have an estimated street value of £230,000. The driver of vehicle has been released without charge.

Investigations into both cases are ongoing.

Carole Upshall from Border Force said: "Border Force officers are on constant alert to keep illegal drugs and other banned substances out of the UK.

"We are determined to prevent this terrible trade which can have such a destructive impact on the lives of so many."