Hungarian Truckers Jailed for Smuggling £2.4m Cocaine Haul at Dover
Two Hungarian lorry drivers have been slapped with hefty jail sentences for hauling in a £2.4 million cocaine stash at Dover Docks. Imre Szatmari, 47, and Joszef Papp, 40, were handed prison terms totalling 20 years at Canterbury Crown Court on Friday 17 May.
Caught Red-Handed with 30 Kilos of Class A Drug
The pair were busted after Border Force officers spotted their freight lorry trying to dodge border checks in February. The vehicle refused to stop at the exit, raising alarms.
Border Force teamed up with the National Crime Agency (NCA) for a full search of the HGV, uncovering 30 packages of cocaine hidden inside—a cool 10 packages stuffed in a fridge in the cab, and 20 more stashed in holdalls.
Smuggling Route from France to Hertfordshire
During interrogation, Szatmari revealed he picked up the cocaine from a contact waiting at a motorway exit near Dunkirk, France. The drugs were destined for delivery to an address in Hertfordshire.
Law Enforcement Cracks Down on Organised Crime
“Cocaine fuels gang crime, exploitation and violence on UK streets,” said NCA branch commander Matt Rivers. “Organised crime groups rely on smugglers like Szatmari and Papp. By stopping them, we disrupt drug supply chains and break organised crime.”
Dave Hutchinson, Deputy Director, Border Force South East and Europe, added: “Our officers work round the clock to keep the border secure and stop Class A drugs entering the UK. This seizure has prevented a serious threat to communities. We will continue to partner with the NCA to bring criminals to justice.”
Szatmari received 11 years and three months, while Papp was sentenced to 9 years. Both pleaded guilty in an earlier hearing.
