Two Drug Smuggling Attempts Foiled At Dover Eastern Docks

Drugs with a street value of more than £19m have been seized at Dover after the UK Border Agency foiled two smuggling attempts at the port in two days.

The first seizure was made on Wednesday 22 June when Agency officers discovered approximately six tonnes of cannabis resin, with an estimated street value of £17.9 million, hidden in a Spanish-registered lorry at the inward freight controls at the Eastern Docks.

On Thursday (23 June) approximately 28 kilos of cocaine, with an estimate value of £1.2 million, was discovered hidden in British-registered car at the inward tourist controls.

The Spanish driver of the lorry and a 45-year-old British man have been bailed whilst investigations by the UK Border Agency into the attempted importations continue.

Carole Upshall, UK Border Agency Director for the south coast ports, said: "These are excellent examples of how UK Border Agency officers work tirelessly 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to detect and prevent drugs from being smuggled into the UK. We are determined to prevent this evil trade which can have such a destructive impact on the lives of so many."