DRUGS worth million of pounds and destined for the streets of Suffolk and north Essex were seized from a soft drinks lorry.

Cocaine and amphetamines worth £13.4m were hidden among a load of soft drinks in the trailer of a lorry that arrived at Harwich International Port on a ferry from the Hook of Holland.

In total 35kg of cocaine and 160kg of amphetamines was found, concealed, by Border Force officers on Tuesday.

Charlotte Mann, Border Force assistant director at Harwich, said: “This was a major seizure and it demonstrates how Border Force officers are at the forefront of the fight to keep illegal drugs and other banned substances out of the UK.

“Working closely with our law enforcement colleagues we have managed to thwart this smuggling attempt and stop a sizeable amount of cocaine and amphetamines making it onto the streets of Britain.

“Drug trafficking is a serious offence and those convicted face long prison sentences.

“Anyone with information about suspected smuggling should contact our hotline on 0800 59 5000.”

A 44-year-old Dutchman was arrested and has been charged with illegally importing a Class A drug.

He appeared at Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday and was remanded in custody until February 21.

Border Force officers use hi-tech search equipment to combat crime.