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Spanish driver charged after Border Force officers find cannabis resin worth £5million in lorry at Channel Tunnel entrance at Coquelles in France

17:00, 09 June 2014

updated: 17:22, 09 June 2014

Border officials have stopped cannabis resin worth £5million from getting into Kent via the Channel Tunnel.

Around two tonnes of the drug was seized at the entrance in Coquelles, France.

It was discovered when officers stopped and searched a Spanish-registered lorry on Thursday.

Cannabis resin seized by Border Force officers at the Channel Tunnel
Cannabis resin seized by Border Force officers at the Channel Tunnel

Driver Fransisco Javier Santiago Solera, 43, appeared at Canterbury Magistrates' Court the following day charged with importing the drugs.

He pleaded not guilty and was remanded in custody to appear at Canterbury Crown Court on June 23.

Following the seizure by Border Force, the investigation is being carried out by the National Crime Agency.

Drugs worth £5million were uncovered by Border Force officers
Drugs worth £5million were uncovered by Border Force officers

Paul Morgan, director of Border Force South East and Europe, said: "This seizure means a significant quantity of drugs has failed to reach the streets and demonstrates our commitment to keeping them out of the UK.

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

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