A man has been charged after 200kg of cocaine was seized from a van arriving at Birkenhead ferry terminal. Merseyside Police said the Ford Transit van was stopped at around 7.20am on Sunday at the 12 Quays terminal, having arrived by ferry from Belfast.
Van searched and drugs seized
Officers searched the inside of the van and seized the large haul of class A drugs. The force confirmed a man has now been charged in connection with the seizure.
Guergief Cvetko Batschef, 62, of Osborne Road in Enfield, London, has been charged with possession with intent to supply a controlled class A drug (cocaine) and acquiring/using/possessing criminal property. He was remanded to appear earlier today at Wirral Magistrates' Court.
Police statement on investigation
Merseyside Police Detective Chief Inspector Gary Stratton said: "This was a significant drugs seizure and an investigation is ongoing into the incident.
"Investigating and tackling organised crime remains a priority for our force. We are committed to dismantling drugs networks and protecting those at risk of exploitation.
"Investigations into organised crime can be complex and time consuming, but every piece of information we receive helps us build a clearer picture and ultimately bring those responsible to justice.
"I would like to take this opportunity to appeal to anyone with information about drug dealing in your community to get in touch so we can take action."
