Brits arrested in ferry drug haul
Ferry Online Travel News 05/10/2009
Cocaine and Canabis valued at £2 million seized
Three British men were arrested at the Poole ferry port, after a seizure of smuggled drugs valued at £2 million. The men had arrived via ferry from Santander in northern Spain, when UK Border Agency officials arrested them.
The arrest was made shortly after the ferry docked. Cocaine and cannabis resin were seized in the operation. A total of 43 kilos of cocaine and another 100 kilos of cannabis were seized. The UK Border Agency officers found the drugs concealed within a lorry which had been on the ferry.
The total value of the seized drugs was estimated by the officers to be around £2 million. The three arrested British men have since been released on bail, until January 2010. HM Revenue and Customs has taken over the case, and investigators from the agency are now conducting a detailed inquiry into the smuggling charges. The charges will include the importation of large amounts of both Class A and Class B drugs.
Peter Avery, assistant director of criminal investigations for HM Revenue and Customs has warned people against seeing regional ports like Poole as a "soft touch". He added UK customs investigators work closely with officials from the borders agency to ensure that drugs are not smuggled into the UK. He has warned that investigations would not limit their focus on those importing the drugs, but would also extend to people behind the activity.
People with information about any illegal drug smuggling activities can call the Customs hotline by dialing 0800 59 5000.
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