A Serbian lorry driver has been charged with drug smuggling offences by National Crime Agency officers after cocaine worth £3.2 million was found in a lorry heading to the UK.

Vladimir Mrdak, 37, who lives in Serbia, was arrested on Monday (12 July) after the class A drugs were found in the trailer of an HGV carrying a load of bottle tops and paper rolls.

The NCA began an investigation after Border Force officers at the Channel Tunnel terminal in Coquelles, France, found the cocaine in taped packages placed in boxes on top of the goods.

After being questioned, Mrdak was charged with attempting to import cocaine, and following an appearance at Folkestone Magistrates’ Court yesterday (13 July) he was remanded in custody until his next appearance at Canterbury Crown Court on 16 August.

NCA branch commander Martin Grace said:

“This haul of cocaine would have fuelled violence and intimidation had it reached the UK.

“The seizure is a big setback for the criminal network likely to be behind this attempted importation – profits which they will not be able to invest in other criminality.

“Working alongside our law enforcement partners like Border Force, we are determined to disrupt the organised crime groups involved in drug supply and protect the public.”

14 July 2021

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