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Lydd woman Sandra Wilson jailed at Canterbury Crown Court after attempting to smuggle cannabis through Channel Tunnel into Kent

15:00, 25 September 2015

A woman has been jailed after trying to smuggle around 50kg of cannabis into Kent.

Sandra Wilson, of Eastern Road, Lydd, was caught by Border Force officers in Coquelles at the French terminal of the Channel Tunnel on June 10 last year.

Wilson claimed she was transporting labels and metal boxes in her van on the train bound for Folkestone.

Border Force officers seized the cannabis during a raid on Wilson's van at the Channel Tunnel terminal in France. Picture: Home Office
Border Force officers seized the cannabis during a raid on Wilson's van at the Channel Tunnel terminal in France. Picture: Home Office

But when officers busted open the containers following a search and scan of the vehicle, they found the drugs which were estimated to be worth £225,000.

She was arrested at the scene after the discovery inside the double skinned lids and bottoms of two metal boxes.

Now the 39-year-old has been jailed for 15 months after appearing for sentencing at Canterbury Crown Court.

She had previously pleaded guilty to the offence at the same court on March 11.

The investigation was passed on to the National Crime Agency after Wilson's arrest.

Paul Morgan, the director of Border Force South East and Europe, said: "Seizures like this demonstrate how Border Force officers are at the forefront of the fight to keep illegal drugs and other banned substances out of the UK.

The drugs were thought to have £225,000 street value. Picture: Home Office
The drugs were thought to have £225,000 street value. Picture: Home Office

"Working with law enforcement colleagues like the NCA we are determined to do all we can to prevent drug trafficking and put those responsible behind bars."

After the conclusion of the case Border Force is urging anyone with information about drug smuggling to come forward.

Anyone suspicious of activity is asked to call the hotline on 0800 59 5000.

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