Drug Smuggler Jailed

A Lancashire man was sentenced to nine years imprisonment yesterday (Tuesday, 9 December 2008) for attempting to smuggle seven kilos of cocaine with an estimated street value of £688,000 and a small quantity of amphetamine worth about £40, through Dover Eastern Docks.

Canterbury Crown Court heard that on Saturday 17 May 2008, a lorry carrying fork lift trucks and a pallet of hammers, and driven by Craig John Wardleworth, 41, of Brigsteer Close, Accrington, Lancashire, arrived at the docks on a ferry from Calais. During a search of the trailer, UK Border Agency (UKBA) officers found the cocaine hidden in a cardboard box on one of the fork lift trucks. The amphetamine, about 4 grammes, was found in the cab of the vehicle. Craig Wardleworth, the driver of the lorry, was charged with attempting to smuggle drugs in to the UK. Following the detection, the case was passed to HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) Criminal Investigation officers to investigate.

HMRC Assistant Director Criminal Investigation, Malcolm Bragg said: "Our investigators, and their UK Border Agency colleagues, are determined to stop drugs entering the UK and reduce the associated harm to our communities. Anyone with information relating to smuggled goods should contact Customs' 24 hour hotline on 0800 59 5000".