Fratton man, 44, becomes fourth Portsmouth dock worker detained over drug smuggling after 1.5 tonnes of cocaine seized in the Netherlands
A FOURTH dock worker has appeared in court charged over allegations of drug smuggling after more than a tonne of cocaine was seized in the Netherlands in April.
David Oliver, 44, of Cornwall Road, Fratton, was arrested by National Crime Agency officers at his work yesterday (June 8).
After being questioned by investigators he was charged with conspiring to import class A drugs overnight and appeared before Portsmouth Magistrates’ Court this morning.
He becomes the fourth Portsmouth dock worker to be charged with drug importation offences.
Oliver was remanded in custody until his next appearance at Portsmouth Crown Court on June 15.
His arrest is the result of an NCA investigation triggered by the seizure of 1.5 tonnes of cocaine in the Netherlands in April.
It has already seen three people appear in court charged with importation offences.
They are Michael Jordan, 44, of London Road, Portsmouth; Michael Butcher, 65, of Victory Avenue, Waterlooville; and Clayton Harwood, 55, from St Davids Road, Southsea.
During their court appearance last month, no pleas were entered with a provisional trial date set down for October 24.
A pre-trial hearing is due to take place on July 1 when the defendants are expected to enter pleas.
The three men were also remanded in custody.
SEE ALSO: Urgent police appeal
NCA senior investigating officer Adrian Barnard said last month: ‘We know that criminal gangs target insiders within ports and airports for their knowledge and access.
‘While it is rare, when it happens it represents a disproportionately large threat, which is why it is such a focus for the NCA and our partners in law enforcement and the private sector.’