A Croydon man has been jailed after pleading guilty to smuggling 2.8 kilos of cocaine through the port of Dover.

Paul Stewart Steadman, 45, from Old Coulsdon, was stopped by Border Force officers at Dover's Eastern Docks on Saturday, January 23, in the early hours.

When questioned by officers Steadman said he had been to Dunkirk for the day to look at a property.

Officers then searched the vehicle and using a camera scope were able to see a green and orange plastic bag behind the rear seat bulkhead.

A key fob found in Steadman’s jacket allowed access via a metal plate to the area and the bag. Three taped packages were found in the bag which gave positive reactions to a test for cocaine.

The drugs weighed approximately 2.8 kilos and had a potential estimated street value of £400,000.

Steadman was arrested and the investigation passed to the National Crime Agency (NCA).

He pleaded guilty at a hearing at Canterbury Crown Court on Tuesday, March 29, and was sentenced immediately to six years imprisonment

Paul Morgan, director of Border Force South East and Europe, said: “This was an excellent detection and I would like to pay tribute to the Border Force officers who play a crucial role in protecting the UK from illegal drugs every day.

“We work closely with law enforcement colleagues, including the NCA, to prevent drug trafficking and do all we can to put those responsible behind bars.”

Anyone with information about activity they suspect may be linked to drug smuggling should call the hotline on 0800 59 5000.