A lorry driver from Kent has been jailed for seven years after HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) officers investigated the attempted importation of over 2 kilos of cocaine into the UK through Dover's Eastern Docks. The estimated street value of the drugs is about £89,000.
Kevin Benjamin Jones, 47, of 42 Douglas Road, Welling, Kent, was intercepted by UK Border Agency (UKBA) officers at the inward freight controls at Dover's Eastern Docks on 3 June 2009. When the cab unit was rummaged, a brown-taped package was detected in the housing of the gearstick surround. The contents of the package tested positive for cocaine.
The case was passed to investigation officers of HM Revenue & Customs to continue enquiries and Jones was subsequently charged with drug smuggling offences under the Customs and Excise Management Act 1979.
Malcolm Bragg, Investigation Assistant Director for HM Revenue & Customs, said:
"We are determined to catch those smuggling illegal drugs into the UK. Narcotics have a devastating impact on individuals and local communities, and we are determined to pursue and bring to justice those involved in this deadly trade. I strongly encourage anyone with information relating to smuggled goods to contact the Customs Hotline on 0800 59 5000 or email customs.hotline@hmrc.gov.uk."
Jones pleaded guilty to smuggling the drugs into the UK when he appeared at Canterbury Crown Court on 27 July 2009 and was sentenced to seven years imprisonment by His Honour Judge Williams. He also received a six month sentence, to run concurrently, for the importation of 1.48 gms of herbal cannabis that was found in his possession at the time of his arrest.
