MORE than 300kg of cocaine found hidden in the back of a trailer has been seized by Border Force officers at Harwich International Port.

The drugs were discovered when a lorry with a trailer was stopped as it disembarked from a ferry which had arrived from the Netherlands on June 26.

Officers examined the contents of the trailer, which were described as frozen meat, and discovered a number of solid white blocks concealed in a cardboard box under pallets.

A field test showed a positive indication for cocaine with an estimated street value of more than £30m.

Jenny Sharp, assistant director border force, said: “This is just one example of the crucial work that Border Force officers do every day to help keep the UK safe.

"Detections of dangerous Class A drugs such as this are testament to their dedication and expertise.

"Illegal drugs have a significant impact on our society, being the root cause behind countless burglaries, thefts and robberies.

"They are also used as a commodity by organised criminals linked to violence and exploitation of the vulnerable.

"Working with our colleagues at the National Crime Agency (NCA) we are determined to do all we can to stop drug traffickers.

"Those convicted of drug importation offences face considerable prison sentences."

Following the seizure, the investigation was passed on to the NCA.

After being interviewed by NCA investigators 41-year-old Marcel Keuken, a Dutch national from Ede in the Netherlands, was charged with the importation of a class A drug.

He appeared at Colchester Magistrates Court on June 28 and was remanded in custody until his next appearance at Chelmsford Crown Court on July 26.

Anyone with information about activity they suspect may be linked to smuggling should call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or go to https://www.gov.uk/report-smuggling.