Man Charged After Ecstasy And Cocaine Seized At Dover

Officers from the UK Border Agency (UKBA) have seized approximately 12 kilos of ecstasy and half a kilo of cocaine worth about £260,000 in total at Dover.

On Thursday 8 May, a Lithuanian registered car arrived at Dover's Eastern Docks on a ferry from Calais. It was being driven by a 24 year-old Lithuanian man. During a search of the car, UKBA officers discovered the drugs hidden in 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, Edvinas Leonavicius, was interviewed and subsequently charged this afternoon (9 May) with attempting to smuggle drugs into the UK. He is due to appear before Dover magistrates tomorrow morning (Saturday, 10 May). Enquiries are continuing.

Carole Upshall, Regional Director South of UKBA said: "This is another excellent result. We will continue to work with our partners in HMRC to tackle the smugglers who attempt to bring goods illegally into the UK. Smugglers are criminals who are only out to make a profit; they do not care about the harm that they cause by smuggling whether it's drugs, dangerous counterfeit cigarettes or illegal immigrants."

Bob Gaiger, HM Revenue & Customs spokesman in the South East said: "Vigilance by UKBA officers has prevented these drugs from reaching their destination. UKBA and HMRC will continue to work to the Government's aim of reducing the availability of Class A drugs. Anyone with information about activity they suspect may be linked to drug smuggling should call the HMRC 24-hour hotline on 0800 59 5000."