Two Charged Over Portsmouth Drugs Seizure

11 June 2013, 12:52 | Updated: 30 March 2016, 13:50

Men from South London and Surrey have been charged with attempting to smuggle 52 kilos of cocaine into the UK via Portsmouth ferryport.

Michael Ebanks, 31, of Sevenoaks Road, Bromley, and Mark West, 35, of Lansdowne Road, Purley, were arrested on 19th October 2012 and 24th April 2013.

This followed a seizure by Border Force officers of cocaine from a lorry which had arrived on a ferry from Caen on 18th October 2012. Officials say the drugs would have been worth approximately £5.2 million if cut and sold on the street.
 
On Thursday 6th June both men were charged with drugs smuggling and also possession with intent to supply of a Class B drug. Mr Ebanks was additionally charged with possession with intent to supply of a Class C drug.
 
They appeared at Portsmouth Magistrates' Court on Friday 7th June, where they were remanded in custody to appear at Portsmouth Crown Court on 1 July.