AN EAST Lancashire lorry driver who tried to smuggle almost £700,000 of cocaine into the UK has been jailed for nine years.

Customs officials swooped on Clayton-le-Moors haulier Craig John Wardleworth, 40, as he drove through Dover’s eastern docks in May, Canterbury Crown Court heard.

Hidden within a cargo of forklift trucks and pallets containing hammers, underneath a bag of kitty litter, was seven kilos of cocaine.

Wardleworth, of Brigsteer Close, admitted cocaine and amphetamine importation charges.

Investigators also found a small bag containing amphetamines, valued at £40, in his cab.

The court heard that Wardleworth’s lorry initially arrived at Dover on a ferry from Calais on May 17.

Officials from the UK Border Agency stopped the vehicle and found the cocaine wrapped up in a series of bags inside one of the forklift trucks.

A bag of cat litter had been placed over the haul in an attempt to conceal the drugs.

Following forensic tests regarding the purity of the drug, it is estimated that the cocaine would have had a street value of around £688,000.

When customs officials made the seizure they believed the drugs may have been heading for the streets of East Lancashire.

After the case, Malcolm Bragg, customs assistant director of criminal investigations, said: “Our investigators, and their UK Border Agency colleagues, are determined to stop drugs entering the UK and reduce the associated harm to our communities.”

Customs and excise investigators are also probing whether Wardleworth profited from his smuggling operation.

If he is found to have made any financial gains then an application will be made to the courts under the Proceeds of Crime Act.

Custom officials said they believed he was working alone.