Builder Jailed for Drug Smuggle Plan

21 July 2010, 06:03 | Updated: 21 July 2010, 06:14

A builder's been jailed for 12 years for being involved in a plan to smuggle almost £300,000 of cocaine into Kent via the Channel Tunnel.

Anthony Stewart, 44, from Streatham, London was stopped by UK Border Agency officers at the entrance to the tunnel in Coquelles, France in May 2008.

He said he had been on holiday in France, however, documents indicating that he also stayed in the Hamburg area of Germany were found during a search of his car.

Later the same day, officers intercepted a vehicle being driven by Charles Prince, who also said he had been staying in France but later admitted he had been to Germany.

A search of Prince's vehicle found cocaine hidden in plastic bags in the boot and in the dashboard.

Anthony Stewart's fingerprints were identified on one of the concealed bags.

Prince pleaded guilty to attempted importation and was sentenced to six-and-a-half years imprisonment at Canterbury Crown Court in September 2008.

Malcolm Bragg, Assistant Director of Criminal and Financial Investigations for the UK Border Agency, said:

"The UK Border Agency is at the forefront in the fight to prevent illegal drugs entering the UK and in protecting our communities from the violence and corruption that accompanies this hideous trade.

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