WIREDGOV

The National Crime Agency (NCA) are appealing for information on the whereabouts of a Carlisle man wanted in connection with an attempt to import Class A drugs worth more than £7 million into the UK.

On 21 November 2016, a lorry arriving at Dover from France was searched by Border Force who discovered a purpose-built concealment in the trailer.
Inside, officers found packages of cocaine weighing over 90kg. If cut and adulterated the drugs would have had a potential street value of £7.2 million.

Following an NCA investigation, the driver of the lorry, Lee James Hartness, aged 47, was charged with importing Class A drugs and a summons was sent in August this year for Hartness to attend court.

However, he failed to appear at the hearing and a warrant was issued for his arrest.

Two accomplices, brothers Glen and Andrew Harrison, were bailed and are due to stand trial at Canterbury Crown Court in February 2019 in relation to a second importation attempt.

NCA Branch Commander Matt Rivers yesterday said:

“Two years ago Lee Hartness arrived at the Port of Dover and a significant amount of cocaine was seized from his lorry.”

“Hartness failed to attend his court hearing earlier this year and despite our extensive inquiries we have not yet been able to locate him.”

“We are appealing to members of the public who may know the whereabouts of Hartness, or have any information that can help us find him.”

“I would like to remind anyone helping Hartness, or frustrating our attempts to locate him, they could find themselves being arrested.”

Hartness is a white British male, 6 feet tall and of medium build, and speaks with a northern accent. Both his arms are heavily tattooed with Japanese flower designs and he has a dragon and serpent tattoo on his chest.

He is known to have connections in Carlisle, Newcastle upon Tyne and Northern Ireland.

Anyone with information on Hartness’ whereabouts should contact the National Crime Agency on 0370 496 7622 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.