Latest news and updates
Men jailed for cannabis smuggling attempt
01 February 2012
Two Polish men have been sentenced to a total of 4 years and 8 months in prison after pleading guilty to attempting to smuggle approximately 30 kilos of herbal cannabis and half a kilo of cannabis resin into the UK.
The drugs had an estimated street value of up to £92,000.
On 27 November 2011 at the Channel Tunnel entrance in Coquelles, our officers in France stopped 2 German registered renault scenics travelling together. When questioned the driver of the first vehicle, Miroslaw Bardzilowski, said they were going to the UK to deliver and fit LED lighting at a company in Birmingham called 'Aero Club'.
Our officers realised the address on the delivery paperwork related to an Aero Club in Birmingham, Alabama, USA not Birmingham, England.
The vehicles were searched and officers found hidden in the floor of both a number of brown wrapped packages. In total 43 packages, containing the cannabis, were removed from the vehicles.
Miroslaw Bardzilowski and the driver of the second vehicle, his ex brother in law Marcin Bardzilowski, were arrested and charged with the attempted importation.
Both men pleaded guilty at a hearing at Canterbury Crown Court on 30 January and were sentenced there the same day.
Malcolm Bragg, Assistant Director, Criminal and Financial Investigation, UK Border Agency said:
'The UK Border Agency plays a key role in the fight to stop drugs entering the UK and to reduce the harm they do to our communities. We aim to protect society from the violence and corruption that always accompanies the trade in illegal drugs.
'Anyone with information about activity they suspect may be linked to drugs smuggling should call Crimestoppers on 0800 59 5000.'
Anyone with information about activity they suspect may be linked to drug smuggling should call our hotline on 0800 59 5000 or use our report a crime form on this website.