£2 Million Of Heroin Seized At Dover Ferryport - Man Charged

A lorry driver from Liverpool is due to appear in court today in connection with the seizure of approximately 40 kilos of heroin worth around £2 million at Dover's Eastern Docks.

Late in the evening on Wednesday 17 September, a lorry carrying a consignment of beer arrived on a ferry from Calais. During a search of the vehicle, UK Border Agency officers discovered a number brown-taped packages in two holdalls on top of the engine block under the cab of the tractor unit. The contents of one of the packages tested positive for heroin.

Following the detection, the case was passed to HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) investigation officers to continue enquiries. The driver of the vehicle, Anthony Connolly, 42, of 26 North Sudley Road, Liverpool, was interviewed and subsequently charged with attempting to smuggle drugs into the UK. He is due to appear before Folkestone magistrates this morning. Enquiries are continuing.

Bob Gaiger, HM Revenue & Customs spokesman in the South East said: "HMRC together with the UK Border Agency play a vital role in the fight to prevent illegal drugs from entering the UK and in protecting our communities from the violence and corruption that always accompany this hideous trade. Ports like Dover should not be seen as a soft touch by smugglers. Anyone with information about activity they suspect may be linked to drugs or tobacco smuggling should call our 24 hour hotline - 0800 59 5000."