£540,000 Of Amphetamine Seized At Port

Officers from HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) are investigating a smuggling bid after 60 kilos of amphetamine was seized at Dover Ferryport. The drugs had an estimated street value of £540,000.

Late evening on Wednesday 14 October, UK Border Agency (UKBA) officers stopped a lorry carrying frozen foodstuffs after it arrived at the port. During a search of the vehicle, officers discovered the drugs hidden in a spare wheel.

The 44 year-old driver of the lorry, William Mackie of 91b High Street, Leslie, Fife, was arrested and interviewed by HMRC investigation officers. He was 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, HMRC Dover spokesman in the South East said:

"Vigilance by UKBA officers has prevented these drugs from reaching their destination. HMRC and UKBA 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 Customs Hotline on 0800 59 5000."