Man jailed for drug smuggling attempt
A man from Germany has been jailed for four years at Canterbury Crown Court after attempting to smuggle approximately one kilo of cocaine into the UK.
On 4 October this year Border Force officers stopped and questioned Charles Ukachukwu IMOH after he arrived by coach at the tourist controls in Dover’s Eastern Docks. Imoh said he was coming to the UK to visit family in London.
After his luggage had been searched Imoh agreed to accompany officers to hospital where he was x-rayed and packages were identified inside him. A total of 83 packages were eventually recovered.
The drugs, which were later forensically tested, had a street value of over £215,000 and a purity level of 66%.
Imoh, 57, was arrested and the investigation passed to the National Crime Agency.
He pleaded guilty at a hearing at Canterbury Crown Court on 27 October and was sentenced (Thursday 6 November) to four years imprisonment
Paul Morgan, Director of Border Force South East and Europe said:
Drug trafficking is a serious offence and those convicted will face prison sentences. Our message to those who would consider it is that it’s just not worth it.
Border Force officers will continue to work diligently to keep our border secure and to make life as tough as possible for those who seek to profit from this evil trade.
Anyone with information about activity they suspect may be linked to drug smuggling should call the hotline on 0800 59 5000.