A BID to smuggle drugs with an estimated street value of �1.7m through Felixstowe has been foiled, it was revealed today.

Richard Cornwell

A BID to smuggle drugs with an estimated street value of �1.7m through Felixstowe has been foiled, it was revealed today.

Border agency officials at the port seized the consignment of 600kg of compressed herbal cannabis, which has been shipped to the UK from Durban, South Africa, and was destined for the streets of the north-west.

The smugglers had attempted to put UK Border Agency officers off the scent by sticking a “Danger” sign and toxic substance stickers to the doors of the 20ft container.

Officials said their suspicions were roused because the cargo was listed both as a consignment of wooden bowls and moisturising cream.

Jim Jarvie, deputy regional director central region of UKBA, said: “This is a substantial seizure and an excellent result.”