A Dutchman has appeared in court accused of trying to smuggle more than £1 million worth of cocaine into Kent.

Diya Mohamed Isa appared at Margate Magistrates' Court yesterday charged with importation.

It comes after Border Force officers at the French-side of the Channel Tunnel terminal in Coquelles seized 25kg of the drug in a car last week.

Officers stopped and search the Dutch-registered VW Jetta on February 12.

Isa, 31, did not enter a plea and was remanded in custody and is due to appear again at Canterbury Crown Court on March 14.

An investigation is now being carried out by the National Crime Agency following the discovery.

Paul Morgan, director of Border Force South East and Europe, said: "Cocaine is a vile and destructive drug, which ruin the lives of users and the wider community.

“Border Force officers are on constant alert to keep illegal drugs and other banned substances out of the UK."

Officers from the Border Force carry out a number of roles including detecting illegal immigration, disrupting serious and organised crime and terrorist prevention.

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