Two Romanian brothers have been charged with attempting to import 23 kilos of cocaine through the Channel Tunnel.

A lorry was stopped and searched at the terminal in Coquelles, France, last Saturday, when border force officers discovered £1.4m worth of the class A drug.

Gabriel Codita, 27, and Constantin Alin Codita, 28, were arrested and the investigation was passed to the National Crime Agency.

Both men withheld their pleas when they appeared before Folkestone Magistrates' Court on Monday, January 30.

They have been remanded in custody and will next appear at Canterbury Crown Court on Monday, February 27.

Paul Morgan, director of Border Force South East and Europe said: “Seizures like this demonstrate how Border Force officers are at the forefront of the fight to keep illegal drugs and other banned substances out of the UK.

“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 hotline on 0800 59 5000.