BIG DRUGS HAUL AT FERRY PORT

Bob Gaiger, HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) spokesman for Newhaven, said: "This is a major seizure of cocaine and sees us taking a significant step forward in fighting the war on drugs.

"It sends a clear message that ports such as Newhaven are not a soft touch. Our intelligence and detection skills are second to none, and the only effective way to tackle 21st century smuggling."

Customs Officers on duty at the ferry port stopped a lorry carrying industrial equipment including two pile drivers and two generators after it arrived on a ferry from Dieppe. During a search of the vehicle, the officers found about 25 kilos of cocaine in tape-wrapped packages in the cab of the vehicle.

The drugs have an estimated street value of about 1.25 million.

The driver of the lorry, Ronnie James Rothenburg, 26, a UK national living in Spain, was arrested, interviewed and subsequently charged with attempting to smuggle the cocaine into the UK.

At Eastbourne Magistrates Court today, Rothenburg was remanded in custody. He will appear at Eastbourne Magistrates Court again next Thursday.

Lewes constituency MP, Norman Baker, commented: "It is reassuring that this particular load has been intercepted, which suggests that the intelligence Customs has access to is proving useful. The fact that yet another drug haul has been tracked to Newhaven suggests strongly that drug pushers, and perhaps those involved in illegal activities of other kinds, have identified Newhaven as a weak link in the chain. I fear this incident could be the tip of a largely hidden iceberg.

"There is a need for all those working in the port on security matters - Customs, the immigration authorities, the police, and the District Council - to be brought together into one border force to maximise efficiency.

"I also think there is a strong case for a much greater uniformed presence in the port, so that would-be lawbreakers are under no illusion that the authorities are taking security seriously."