Plumber Jailed For Drug Smuggling

A 44 year old Scottish self employed plumber has been jailed for 11 years after being convicted of smuggling three kilos of cocaine into the UK through Dover. The drugs had an estimated street value of £120,000.

Investigators from HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) interviewed Stephen Atyeo after UK Border Agency (UKBA) officers detected the drugs in his car on 30 June 2009. He was stopped after he arrived at Dover on a ferry from Calais.

Following the discovery of the drugs in the air vents and beneath the rear seats of his car, he was arrested and subsequently charged. When questioned, Atyeo stated he had been to Belgium to carry out repairs to a caravan he owns. He hadn't brought the caravan back to the UK, as his car does not have a tow bar.

Atyeo pleaded guilty on 1 September 2009, at Canterbury Crown Court to smuggling three kilos of cocaine into the UK.

Malcolm Bragg, Assistant Director, HMRC Criminal Investigations said:

"This is another example of our determination to bring anyone involved in drug smuggling to justice. Drugs devastate lives and communities and we are determined to prevent drugs reaching UK streets.

"Anyone with information relating to smuggled goods or other illegal activities should contact HMRC's 24 hour hotline on 0800 59 5000."

Confiscation proceedings under Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA) 2002 are ongoing.