Drug runners jailed for 63 years (From Harwich and Manningtree Standard)
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Drug runners jailed for 63 years
10:21am Monday 4th March 2013 in Harwich and Manningtree News
THREE lorry drivers who attempted to flood the UK with millions of pounds worth of drugs hidden in waffles and Christmas decorations have been given prison sentences totalling more than 63 years.
Heroin, cocaine, amphetamine and cannabis were seized after being smuggled into the country through the Port of Harwich and Channel Tunnel.
Belgian Alfons van Puyenbroeck, 55, Dutchmen Marcus Luijten, 47, and Patrick Lourenz, 48, attempted to smuggle more than half a tonne of drugs through border controls at French and UK ports.
But the operation was smashed by an investigation by the Serious Organised Crime Agency and Border Force.
The three men were found guilty of six counts of conspiracy to import controlled drugs following an eight-week trial at Ipswich Crown Court.
Puyenbroeck was jailed for 23 and a half years, Luijten received 22 years and Lourenz was sentenced to 18 years.
