Two men have been sentenced to a total of 20 years imprisonment after being found guilty of importing approximately 11.6 kilos of opium worth up to £232,000.

On May 3 2012 Border Force officers stopped a British-registered Mercedes being driven by Vito ATARI at the inward tourist controls at Dover’s Eastern Docks. Atari said he had travelled from the UK to Lille with a friend who had stayed in France.

Officers then searched the car and found hidden in the vehicle’s fuel tank seven silver foil wrapped litre plastic bottles containing a tar-like substance which tested positive to opium.

Further checks identified Atari’s travelling companion – Mahmoud NASERI - to be arriving on the next ferry. Officers intercepted Naseri and questioned him. Both men were arrested on suspicion of being involved in the attempted importation.

After a trial at Canterbury Crown Court both men were found guilty by a jury on 16 November 2012 and were sentenced there today.

Malcolm Bragg from Border Force said:

“Drug smuggling is a vile business that exploits the misery of others for profit.

“The sentences handed down today should act as a warning to those who attempt to smuggle illegal drugs into this country. The message is clear – if you are involved in drug smuggling we will catch you and you will go to jail for a long time.”

Anyone with information about activity they suspect may be linked to drug smuggling should call 0800 59 5000 or use http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/aboutus/contact/report-crime/