Lorry Driver Sentenced After Importing Cannabis Through Port Of Dover

A British lorry driver living in Italy was sentenced at Canterbury Crown Court today (28 July 2008) to five and half years imprisonment for the importation of 200.25 kilos of cannabis through the Port of Dover.

Gordon Terry, 48, had previously pleaded guilty on 18 June 2008 to being knowingly concerned in the importation of Cannabis contrary to the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 and the Custom and Excise Management Act 1979.

On the 28 July 2007 HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) officers at the Inward Freight Controls at Dover's Eastern Docks intercepted a lorry being driven by Terry. After questioning him the officers searched the vehicle and trailer, finding the cannabis hidden in two large and one small box within the load.

Georgina Myles, HMRC spokesperson said: "HM Revenue & Customs, along with the UK Border Agency, is working at the forefront of the fight to stop drugs entering the UK and to reduce the associated harm to our communities. We aim to protect society from this activity wherever we detect it, at the borders or inland. Anyone with information relating to smuggled goods should contact HMRC's 24 hour hotline number on 0800 59 5000".