A massive haul of 20 firearms, 320 rounds of ammunition, and drugs with an estimated street value exceeding £4.5 million were intercepted at Dover Port, presenting a significant blow to the UK’s criminal underworld.
The discovery was made when Border Force officers stopped a Lithuanian-registered heavy goods vehicle on Monday, June 23.
Among the seized illicit items were 170kg of ketamine, valued at approximately £4.5 million, and over 4,000 MDMA pills, with a street value of around £40,000. National Crime Agency (NCA) experts believe the recovered firearms are viable pistols and will undergo further testing.
The driver of the HGV, a 34-year-old Tajikistan national, was arrested on suspicion of smuggling. He has since been released on bail as investigations continue.
NCA Senior Investigating Officer Darren Herbert lauded the joint effort, stating,
“With thanks to our Border Force colleagues, an arsenal of deadly firearms, as well as harmful drugs, have been seized before they could reach the criminal supply chain.”
He added that the investigation to trace and detain those responsible is ongoing, reiterating the NCA’s commitment to suppressing the supply of firearms to organized crime groups.
Dave Smith, Border Force Director for the South East Region, echoed these sentiments, highlighting the crucial role of Border Force officers in keeping dangerous weapons and drugs off the streets.
“The firearms and drugs intercepted could have caused untold damage to our communities if they had reached their intended destination,” Smith remarked. “We will continue to work closely with the NCA to bring those responsible to justice and disrupt criminal networks involved in smuggling.”