Clayton-le-Moors man accused of importing drugs

5:01pm Sunday 18th May 2008

AN EAST Lancashire man has been accused of trying to import cocaine of 'potentially enormous value' into the country.

Craig Wardleworth, 40, of Brigsteer Close, Clayton-le-Moors, was arrested after custom officials stopped a lorry at Dover.

During a search they said they found 7kg of cocaine in the vehicle.

The street value of the cocaine is unknown as the purity is untested.

However, the find was described by police as "substantial".

It could be worth thousands, or as much as a million pounds, depending on how pure it is found to be in tests which will be conducted this week.

Inspector Stuart Bruce, of Lancashire police, said: "It is a substantial quantity of Class A drugs.

"The find could represent enormous value financially, had it reached street level.

"Depending on purity, the sky is the limit, in terms of value.

"We would like to thank customs officers as they may have prevented drugs from reaching the streets of East Lancashire.

"We hope their good work continues."

Wardleworth, 40, was charged with importing Class A drugs in the early hours of Sunday morning.

He has now been bailed and is due to appear at Dover magistrates on Thursday.