BRUSSELS: Two Belgian pensioners have been arrested after allegedly smuggling £1.2million worth of heroin through the Port of Dover.
Thomas Reynaers, 67, and Andre Beeken, 79, were reportedly caught with a stash of 94 illicit packages hiding the floor of the car on July 10. The elderly pair were arrested and charged with attempting to import drugs.
They pleaded not guilty at Folkestone Magistrates Court and will appear at Canterbury crown on August 8. In a separate incident on July 10, Birmingham bred Kasir Rafiq, 43, was reportedly caught with packs of cocaine worth £480,000.
Rafiq appeared at Folkestone Magistrates on July 12 and pleaded not guilty to attempting to import drugs. He will next appear at Canterbury Crown Court on August 9.
Paul Morgan, Director of Border Force South East and Europe said: “By making these seizures, Border Force officers have prevented a substantial quantity of dangerous drugs from ending up on the streets.
“It demonstrates the excellent work our officers carry out to prevent smuggling of all kinds – whether it is illegal drugs, weapons, tobacco or stowaways.
“Working with law enforcement colleagues like the NCA we are determined to do all we can to prevent drug trafficking and put those responsible behind bars.”
