Two men have been arrested after £17.5million worth of illegal drugs were found within the panels of a Belgian van attempting to enter the UK through the Channel Tunnel.
A total of 70kg of heroin and 125kg of cocaine were seized in what the Home Office is describing as “one of thelargest ever drug seizures at the Channel Tunnel.”
The drugs have an estimated street value of £17.5million, the Home Office said.
A 68-year-old from Belgium and a 60-year-old from the Netherlands were arrested at the Channel Tunnel UK Border in Coquelles, while Border Force officers intercepted the van at the tourist controls.
A total of 200kg worth of drugs were seized
Home Office
Both men have been charged with the importation of Class A drugs, with the case being handed over to the National Crime Agency.
Combating drugs minister, Kit Malthouse said: “This case is just one example of our Border Force and law enforcement colleagues working around the clock to smash the business model of drug gangs by tackling their supply chains.
“The human cost of narcotics is tragic which is why our 10-year drugs strategy sets out the action we are taking to make our streets safer by tackling the supply of drugs and also treating those in the helotry of addiction.”
The drugs were found in the panels of the van
Home Office
While Border Force Europe Director, Ian Hanson added: “This was outstanding work by Border Force to stop £17.5 million worth of drugs reaching Britain’s streets and causing further harm to our communities.
“This seizure and others like it send a clear message to anyone considering attempting to smuggle illegal drugs into the country that we remain committed and prepared to tackle drug supply chains.
“We are working tirelessly to prevent organised criminal gangs smuggle drugs through the border. Working closely with NCA and police we are detecting and breaking these drug supply chains.”