Birmingham man charged after police discover 180kg of cocaine and heroin at Dover
The 26 year old was arrested after police searched a van returning from the Netherlands
A van driver from Birmingham has been charged with attempting to import Class A drugs after 181 kilos of cocaine and heroin were seized at the Port of Dover.
The drugs were found amongst a consignment of nitrous oxide canisters arriving from the Netherlands.
Police also found an extendable baton.
26 year Ross Patrick Deffley from Arundel Crescent, Solihull, was subsequently charged with possession of an offensive weapon.
He appeared at Folkestone Magistrates’ Court yesterday (September 23).
NCA Branch Commander Mark Howes said:
“This was a large amount of class A drugs, with an estimated street value of £7 million. Its seizure will have been a blow to the criminal network behind the attempted importation.
“Organised crime groups involved in drug trafficking are often responsible for violence and exploitation in our communities, so cutting off their supply line protects the public from the harm class A drugs can cause.
“Working alongside our partners in Border Force we continue to fight on the frontline against drug smuggling.”
Dave Smith, Director of Border Force South East & Europe, said:
“This is a great example of partnership working to protect the UK from those allegedly determined to smuggle illegal drugs into the country.
“This impressive find not only stops criminals from making huge profit, but also removes a tremendous amount of drugs from being peddled on our streets.”