A Polish lorry driver, resident in the Republic of Ireland, has been sentenced to four-and-half years imprisonment for attempting to import 51 kilos of herbal cannabis into the UK. The drugs had an estimated street value of £350,000.
Canterbury Crown Court heard that Lukasz Rogaczewski was arrested on 20 May 2011 at the inward freight controls at Dover's Eastern Docks.
UK Border Agency officers had searched the Mercedes Sprinter van he was driving and which was loaded with powdered baby milk. Officers found hidden within the tins 51 kilos of herbal cannabis in vacuum sealed bags.
After denying drug smuggling, Rogaczewski was found guilty by a jury at Canterbury on 26 January and was sentenced there the same day.
Malcolm Bragg, the UK Border Agency's Criminal and Financial Assistant Director, said: "This is a strong warning to anyone who believes drug smuggling is acceptable. Clearly, the view of the courts is that it is a very serious matter and UK Border Agency officers will remain vigilant at all our ports and airports to prevent drugs reaching our streets.
"Anyone with information about activity they suspect may be linked to drug smuggling should call our hotline on 0800 59 5000."
