TWO operations by Customs Officers at Dover resulted in the seizure of more than 170 kilos of cocaine.

Officers from HM Revenue and Customs last Friday examined a container of 170 bananas, from the vessel MV Hornbay that had been unloaded onto the Eastern Arm, Dover.

The vessel had arrived in Dover from Columbia via Costa Rica. Inside the container officers found approximately 80 kilos of cocaine with a street level value of approximately £3.2 million. Enquiries into the importation are continuing.

On Saturday HMRC officers at the Inward Freight Controls examined a Polish registered lorry and trailer after it had arrived on a ferry from Calais.

During the examination officers found approximately 94 kg cocaine underneath a false floor that had been built into the refrigerated trailer. The cocaine has a street level value of approximately £3.76m.

The lorry driver Jan Uzdowski, a Polish national, was arrested and charged with importing the drug. He was remanded in custody.

Maria Finelli, HM Revenue and Customs spokeswoman said: "This is an excellent weekend’s work for us. Customs vigilance has prevented this cocaine from reaching its destination.

"We will do everything in our power to disrupt those attempting to smuggle drugs into the UK and to reduce the associated harm to our communities.

"We aim to protect society from this activity wherever we detect it and hope this sends a clear message that our approach is one of zero tolerance."