Gavin Archibald Thorburn, of Scatterill Close, Bradwell, appeared at Solihull Magistrates Court yesterday.He was arrested last Monday after he landed at Birmingham international airport on a flight from Nairobi via Dubai.Officers from the newly formed UK Border Agency (UKBA) seized the drugs which were found concealed in luggage.Mr Thorburn was charged with attempting to import three kilos of cocaine with a value of £120,000 - this would have doubled or even trebled once 'cut' by drug dealers.He has not yet made a plea and was remanded until August.
Steve Roper, Detection Manager for UKBA, said: "This is an excellent result and an example of good joint working by our teams of officers.
We will continue to work with our partners in HMRC to tackle smugglers who attempt to bring goods illegally into the UK.
"We hope this sends out a clear message that our approach is one of zero tolerance.
"Regional airports should not be seen as a 'soft touch' for smuggling activities."
Steve Roper, Detection Manager for UKBA, said: "This is an excellent result and an example of good joint working by our teams of officers.
We will continue to work with our partners in HMRC to tackle smugglers who attempt to bring goods illegally into the UK.
"We hope this sends out a clear message that our approach is one of zero tolerance.
"Regional airports should not be seen as a 'soft touch' for smuggling activities."
Comments