A serving Border Force officer was among 12 people arrested after police smashed a cross-Channel gang smuggling heroin, cocaine and guns into Britain.
The 36-year-old officer from Dover, Kent, was detained last Friday by French police near Calais along with three other Britons who all remain in custody.
Authorities seized 11 guns – along with magazines and suppressors – alongside around 34kg (75lbs) of cocaine and 7kg (15lbs) of heroin.
Authorities seized 11 guns along with magazines and suppressors as part of the investigation
Nine handguns and two revolvers were recovered by police investigating the drugs gang
The international operation is targeting a group suspected of importing drugs and firearms
Following the raid, eight men were arrested across Kent by Metropolitan Police detectives and six charged with conspiracy to import firearms and class A drugs.
The six men were remanded in custody to appear at Barkingside Magistrates’ Court today, while the remaining two were released under investigation.
Three of the six remanded men are Christopher Hendra, 29, of Sittingbourne; Liam Attwell, 18, of Ashford; and Terry Willett, 31, of Canterbury.
The remaining three are Daniel Duvall, 36, of Maidstone; Craig Brabon, 36, of Faversham; and Christopher Whitehead, 40, of Orpington.
Investigators also seized around 34kg (75lbs) of cocaine and 7kg (15lbs) of heroin in the probe
Police believe they have prevented the importation of a ‘significant quantity of class A drugs’
Police also believe their investigation has stopped firearms being imported into Britain
Dave Hucker, head of the National Crime Agency’s anti-corruption unit, said: ‘This operation has brought together law enforcement from both sides of the Channel.
‘We believe we have prevented the importation of a significant quantity of class A drugs and firearms to the UK. Our investigation is ongoing, both in the UK and in France.’
Detective Chief Superintendent Michael Gallagher, head of the Metropolitan Police’s organised crime command, added: ‘We are pleased to work with the NCA and French police during this ongoing investigation.
‘Operations like this show the importance of working together when suspected organised criminal networks operate across borders.’
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