£2m drugs haul seized from lorry

Two attempts to smuggle drugs, including nearly 80lb (36kg) of heroin, into the UK have been foiled by Border Force officials.

A Czech-registered lorry intercepted by officers in Dover, Kent, last Thursday was found to contain heroin, 53lb (24kg) of amphetamine and 11lb (5kg) of cannabis, with a total estimated street value of £2 million, in the spare wheel, a UK Borders Agency spokeswoman said.

The 41-year old Czech driver was charged with the importation of drugs and appeared at Dover Magistrates' Court on Saturday where he pleaded not guilty and was remanded in custody.

Officers also found about 3lb (1.5kg) of heroin in a British-registered car last week.

Both the driver, a 39-year-old man from Worcester, and the passenger, a 29-year-old man from London, were bailed pending further inquiries.

The spokeswoman said investigations are continuing in both cases.

Carole Upshall, from Border Force, said: "Border Force officers are on constant alert to keep illegal drugs and other banned substances out of the UK."

Anyone with information about activity they suspect may be linked to drug smuggling should call the free hotline on 0800 595000.

PA