CUSTOMS SEIZE £10.5M OF HEROIN: FOUR MEN CHARGED

29 May 2002 11:43 AM

Following the discovery of approximately 160 kilos of heroin and other Class 'A' drugs at a Customs Inland Clearance Depot in Northampton last Friday, 24 May 2002, four men have been charged at Torquay Police Station this evening with attempting to smuggle drugs, a hand grenade and 17 rounds of ammunition into the UK.

The four men are:

Patrick MILLS, aged 39, of 2b Audley Avenue, Torquay.

Adrian GRIFFITHS, aged 38, of 8 Wesley Mews, Starpitten Lane West, Torquay.

Timothy ANDREWS, aged 39, of Flat 5, 54 St. Marychurch Road, Torquay.

Gerald MILLS, aged 40, of 72 Enfield Close, Erdington, Birmingham.

All four men have been remanded in custody and are due to appear at Torquay Magistrates Court tomorrow morning, Wednesday 29 May 2002.

The fifth person arrested, a 42 year-old woman, has been released on bail without charge. She is due to report to Torquay Police Station in eight weeks time.

ENDS

NOTE TO NEWSDESKS:

The four men have been jointly charged with four separate smuggling offences in relation to heroin, cocaine, cannabis and amphetamine.

They have also been jointly charged with two separate smuggling offences in relation to a hand grenade and 17 rounds of ammunition.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:
BOB GAIGER
CUSTOMS SW MEDIA RELATIONS MANAGER
ON 07802-634144

ISSUED BY CUSTOMS & EXCISE COMMUNICATIONS DIVISION SOUTH WEST REGION

Anyone with information about illegally imported drugs, tobacco or alcohol or about VAT fraud can speak to a Customs Officer in complete confidence.

Call Customs Confidential 24 hours a day on 0800 59 5000.

H.M. CUSTOMS & EXCISE
www.hmce.gov.uk
News Release
FOR THE ATTENTION OF NEWSDESKS