BERLIN: Drug smugglers posed as paramedics and hid 270 kilos of cocaine, heroin an amphetamine in secret compartments of an ambulance, police say.
National Crime Agency officers saw the Dutch suspects in paramedic uniforms meet another two men on Hill Street in Smethwick on Tuesday (June 16).
The NCA suspect the haul could be worth ‘tens of millions’ of pounds (sterling).
They found the drugs hidden inside specially constructed concealments behind interior panels, in cupboards and under the floor.
Three holdalls containing thousands of what is believed to be ecstasy pills were also discovered.
Officers assisted by West Midlands Police, have charged the four men.
Another two men from London seen leaving the car park shortly before the ambulance arrived were also arrested nearby.
Brent Lyon, from the NCA’s Armed Operations Unit, said: “This was an audacious plot. We believe the two men in the ambulance posed as paramedics to avoid unwanted attention when entering the country through Harwich.
“Our officers were ready and waiting though and stopped the drugs from being distributed to crime groups across the country.”
The four Dutch men − Olof Schoon, aged 37; Leonardus Bijlsma, aged 55; Dennis Vogelaar, aged 28; and Richard Engelsbel, aged 50 − were charged with drug offences and appeared at Birmingham Magistrates’ Court this morning (June 17).
All four have been remanded in custody until 2nd July when they will appear at Birmingham Crown Court.
The two men from London have been bailed pending further enquiries.
