A Lithuanian lorry driver has been sentenced to 7 years in prison at Canterbury Crown Court on 12 October after pleading guilty to smuggling 4-Methoxymethylamphetamine, also known as PMMA which is a class A drug.

UK Border Agency officers stopped and questioned the driver on 25 May 2011 at the inward freight controls at Dover Eastern docks.

During the search of his vehicle officers found hidden in the lorry's cab 12 brown taped packages of small pink tablets which the driver claimed were steroids.

The tablets were tested and found to be 4-Methoxymethylamphetamine, which is similar in effect to ecstasy. The total number of tablets was 60,854 with an estimated street value of between £182,000 and £486,000.

He was charged with the attempted importation, and pleaded guilty at Canterbury Crown Court on 15 August.

Hawkinge Gazette and Channel Coast News 2011©