£4.5 Million Drug and Firearms Haul Seized at Dover Port
A massive security operation at Dover Port has uncovered a staggering cache of illegal weapons and drugs. Border Force officers seized 20 firearms, 320 rounds of ammunition, and over £4.5 million worth of drugs during a routine stop of a Lithuanian-registered lorry on Monday, 23 June.
Huge Drug and Gun Bust at Dover
The HGV was found carrying a massive load: 170kg of ketamine and more than 4,000 MDMA pills, alongside the arsenal of pistols and bullets. Experts estimate the ketamine alone fetches around £4.5 million on UK streets, with the MDMA pills worth an extra £40,000.
The firearms are now undergoing detailed forensics, with National Crime Agency (NCA) experts working to identify their origins and potential use.
Driver Arrested, Released on Bail
The lorry driver, a 34-year-old man from Tajikistan, was arrested on suspicion of smuggling banned items. He has since been released on bail while investigations continue.
NCA and Border Force Praise Major Bust
Darren Herbert, Senior Investigating Officer at the NCA, said: “With thanks to our Border Force colleagues, an arsenal of deadly firearms, as well as harmful drugs, have been seized before they could reach the criminal supply chain. Our investigation to trace and detain the individuals responsible is ongoing.”
Dave Smith, Director of Border Force South East Region, added: “This is a significant seizure which demonstrates the vital job our officers do every day to keep lethal weapons and dangerous drugs off our streets. The firearms and drugs intercepted could have caused untold damage to our communities if they had reached their intended destination.”
Cross-Border Crimes Under Scrutiny
The NCA confirmed that international investigations are underway. They continue working with foreign partners to dismantle organised crime networks smuggling firearms and drugs into the UK.
If you have information on firearms or drug smuggling, contact Crimestoppers anonymously at 0800 555 111 or online.
