£¾ Million Cocaine Seized At Dover Docks

A man from Darlington was due to appear in court yesterday after officers from the UK Border Agency (UKBA) seized approximately 18 kilos of cocaine at Dover's Eastern Docks over the weekend. The drugs have an estimated street value of £750,000.

On Saturday 18 April 2009, a Jaguar car was stopped after it arrived on a ferry from Calais. During a search of the vehicle, UKBA officers discovered a number of packages hidden in the fuel tank of the vehicle. The contents of the packages tested positive for cocaine.

Following the detection, the case was passed to HM Revenue & Customs investigation officers to continue enquiries. The driver of the vehicle, Paul Stephens, 30, from Darlington, was arrested on suspicion of smuggling approximately 18 kilos of cocaine into the UK.

Stephens was interviewed and subsequently charged with being knowingly concerned in the fraudulent evasion or attempted evasion of the prohibition on importation imposed by section 3(1) of the Misuse of Drug Act 1971.

Stephens was remanded in custody and was due to appear at Folkestone Magistrates yesterday.

Bob Gaiger, HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) Dover spokesman said: "HMRC together with UKBA play a vital role in the fight to prevent illegal drugs from entering the UK and in protecting our communities from the violence and corruption that always accompany this hideous trade. Anyone with information about activity they suspect may be linked to drugs smuggling should call our 24 hour Customs Hotline - 0800 59 5000."