A drugs smuggler appeared before magistrates on Monday, after pleading guilty to bringing five kilos of cocaine into the country.

David Perry, a 32-year-old from Ashford, was discovered with £500,000 worth of the Class A drug when border force officers stopped a Dutch-registered lorry at the Channel Tunnel.

The lorry and its load of machinery were searched and officers found the narcotics in a refrigerator in the vehicle’s cab.

Mr Perry appeared via a video link at Canterbury Magistrates Court, charged with the attempted importation.

He pleaded guilty and was remanded in custody.

He will next appear at Canterbury Crown Court on a date to be confirmed.

Paul Morgan, director of Border Force South East and Europe, said: “Border Force officers work to keep the UK’s border secure and to make life as tough as possible for those who seek to profit from this evil trade in illegal drugs.

“Those who engage in illegal drug smuggling should be in no doubt that they will be targeted and brought to justice.”

Anyone with information about activity they suspect may be linked to drug smuggling can call the smuggling hotline on 0800 59 5000.