A Dutch van driver who was charged with the attempted importation of cocaine in Dover this week, has pleaded not guilty.

Border Force officers at the inward tourist controls at Dover’s Eastern Docks seized approximately 11 kilos of the drug on Wednesday.

The drugs were discovered when officers stopped a German-registered van. They searched the vehicle using a detector dog and the drugs were found within the bodywork.

They were seized and 57-year-old Rene Roelofs was arrested. The investigation was then passed to the National Crime Agency.

Roelofs was later charged with the attempted importation and appeared before Folkestone Magistrates Court on Thursday, March 19 where he pleaded not guilty.

He was remanded in custody and will next appear at Canterbury Crown Court on Tuesday, April 7.

Director of Border Force South East and Europe, Paul Morgan, said: “Border Force officers like those who made this seizure play a crucial role in protecting the UK from illegal drugs and other contraband.

“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.”

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