Philip Roe, 42, of Farndale, Whitwick, Leicestershire, was arrested at Dover's Eastern Docks in April 2011, alongside three colleagues who were travelling with him.
The arrests followed a seizure from one of two lorries transporting equipment for the Kawasaki World Superbike franchise. The trucks had been at a race meeting in Holland and were returning to their base in Penrith, Cumbria.
In the trailer of the first lorry Border Force officers found six kilos of cocaine, 68 kilos of cannabis resin, 35 kilos of herbal cannabis and 30 kilos of ecstasy tablets concealed in a number of bags and boxes hidden in a seating area.
Officers searched the second lorry, being driven by Roe, but found nothing suspicious.
Border investigators carried out forensic examinations of the drugs and found Roe's palm print on one of the boxes containing drugs. They also found a number of incriminating messages on his laptop, including one stating that the trip to Holland would be a "pay day" for him.
Roe was charged with six counts of attempting to import class A drugs, class B drugs, firearms and ammunition.
The other three men arrested were released without charge.
Following a two week trial at Canterbury Crown Court Roe was found guilty on all charges. On Thursday (12 December 2013) the judge sentenced him to 18 years in prison.
"Right from the start of our investigation Roe denied any knowledge of this importation and was happy to blame his colleagues and team.
"However, thanks to the close co-operation between NCA investigators and Border Force he has been brought to justice and is behind bars where he belongs."
Paul Morgan, Director Border Force South East & Europe, said: "Drug trafficking is a serious offence and those convicted face long prison sentences. Our message to those who would consider it is that it's just not worth it.
"Border Force officers, alongside our NCA colleagues, continue to work diligently to keep our border secure and to make life as tough as possible for those who seek to profit from this evil trade."
