Smuggler had £1.4m cocaine hidden in fuel tank

16 Oct 2018 01:26 PM

A Latvian man has been jailed for ten years for smuggling 14 kilos of cocaine with a street value of £1.4 million into the UK following a National Crime Agency investigation.

Henri Kampans, aged 39, was found guilty following a four day trial at Canterbury Crown Court on Thursday 11 October. He was sentenced the same day.

Kampans was driving a van when he was stopped at Dover Eastern Docks by Border Force officers on 4 September 2016.

 

A check of the vehicle showed the bolts on the fuel tank had been interfered with. A scan revealed further abnormalities so it was removed and 14 taped packages were found inside (pictured right).

During an interview with NCA investigators, Kampans denied knowing the drugs were in the fuel tank.

He said he was approached by the owner of the van who asked him if he could drive it from Iecava in Latvia to London to deliver some post.

Deborah Cook, NCA Dover branch investigations manager yesterday said:

“What we have seen with cocaine is that it is a drug which fuels gang crime, exploitation and violence on the streets of the UK. While they may be low down in the criminal hierarchy, smugglers like Kampans play a crucial role in that chain of organised crime.

“This is another example of how joint working with our Border Force colleagues has prevented a significant amount of Class A drugs reaching the UK.”

Paul Morgan, Director Border Force South East and Europe, yesterday said:

“This was a very sophisticated concealment and another excellent example of Border Force officers using their highly developed detection skills to prevent a substantial quantity of drugs from ending up on the streets of the UK, where they cause significant harm to both individuals and communities.

“Working with our colleagues at the National Crime Agency (NCA) we are determined to do all we can to stop drug traffickers and ensure that those who involve themselves in this activity face the full consequences of their crimes.”