£12 Million Drug Haul Seized at UK Border
Border Force officers stopped a white Renault Master van, registered in Belgium, on 10 June 2022 before it boarded a train from France to the UK. The driver claimed he was heading to Ashford for just one night.
Huge Haul of Heroin and Cocaine Discovered
Officers uncovered hidden packages of heroin and cocaine inside the van’s side panels. The National Crime Agency (NCA) stepped in and seized a massive 74 kilos of heroin and 128 kilos of cocaine. Forensic experts estimate the stash’s UK street value at over £12 million.
Second Van Stopped – Driver Linked to Drug Smuggling
Just 30 minutes later, Border Force halted a second van driven by 61-year-old Abraham Schrier from the Netherlands, who also said he was visiting Ashford overnight. No drugs were found in his van. However, investigators discovered an electric drill set, socket, and bolts matching those used to hide the drugs in the first van. Schrier initially denied involvement but was charged with importing class A drugs.
Trial Verdict: One Guilty, One Acquitted
After an eight-day trial at Canterbury Crown Court, the jury found Schrier guilty. He was sentenced to 16 years behind bars. Meanwhile, the driver of the first van, 69-year-old Marius Verschueren from Antwerp, Belgium, was acquitted.
“Schrier was a key component in this importation,” said NCA Dover Branch Commander Mark Howes.
“This was a significant seizure of class A drugs destined for violent street gangs exploiting our communities. Couriers like Schrier are vital cogs in organised crime networks smuggling drugs internationally.
“Working closely with Border Force, the NCA is determined to disrupt these criminal operations.”
Martin Coates, Border Force Deputy Director, added:
“Drugs fuel violence on our streets and ruin lives. This seizure shows the strength of cooperation between Border Force and the NCA to keep dangerous drugs out of UK communities.
“We remain committed to stopping the illegal smuggling of drugs and protecting the public.”
