Two charged with cargo ship cocaine seizure

Border Force officers are investigating after they seized approximately 47 kilos of cocaine from a cargo ship at Dover on Sunday (8 September 2013).

The drugs are being examined but it is believed once cut and sold on the streets they could have had a potential value running into millions of pounds.

Officers from Border Force's national deep rummage team found the drugs when they searched the hold of the MV Lady Korcula which was carrying bananas from Ecuador.

Two men, Carlos Aurelio Martinez Ponguillo and Fausto Humberto Flores Novoa, both from Ecuador appeared at Canterbury Magistrates Court yesterday (Tuesday 10 September) charged with the attempted importation.

Both pleaded not guilty, were remanded in custody and will next appear at Canterbury Crown court on 30 September.

Enquiries by Border Force investigators are continuing.

Paul Morgan, director of Border Force South East and Europe 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."

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