Cocaine Seized At Dover - Lancashire Man Charged

Officers from the UK Border Agency (UKBA) in Dover have seized approximately 7 kilos of cocaine worth about £280,000 and a small quantity of amphetamine worth about £40.

On Saturday 17 May, a lorry carrying fork lift trucks and a pallet of hammers arrived at Dover's Eastern Docks on a ferry from Calais. It was being driven by a 41 year-old man from Lancashire. During a search of the trailer, UKBA officers discovered the cocaine hidden in a cardboard box on one of the fork lift trucks. A small quantity of amphetamine sulphate, about 4 grammes, was also found in the cab of the vehicle.

Following the detection, the case was passed to HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) Criminal Investigation officers to continue enquiries. The driver of the vehicle, Craig John Wardleworth of 11 Brigsteer Close, Accrington, Lancashire, was interviewed and subsequently charged with attempting to smuggle drugs into the UK. Wardleworth was released on conditional bail and is due to appear before Dover Magistrates on Thursday 22 May 2008. Enquiries are continuing.