TWO Spanish men have today admitted charges of attempting to smuggle cocaine with an estimated street value of £1.4m through Southampton docks.

Tanasu De Jesus Quevedo-Ojeda, 28, and Oliver Vidal Hernandez, 27, were arrested with 30 kilogrammes of the class A drug as they disembarked the Black Watch cruise liner at berth 106 on Saturday morning (March 27).

Both pleaded guilty at Southampton Magistrates’ Court this morning with being knowingly concerned in the fraudulent evasion or attempted evasion of the prohibition on importation imposed by section 3(1) of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971.

They will next appear on April 29 at Southampton Crown Court.

Both men are unemployed and from the island of Gran Canaria.

The arrests came after a joint operation by Hampshire police and the UK Border Agency.

Detective Chief Superintendent Shirley Dinnell, head of CID, said: “Hampshire Constabulary along with other law enforcement partners is determined to tackle the supply of controlled drugs in the UK.

“This operation jointly conducted with the UK Border Agency has recovered a significant amount Class A drugs and should act as a clear deterrent to those responsible for causing misery to so many people."

Malcolm Bragg, assistant director of criminal and financial investigations for the UK Border Agency, said: “UK Border Agency officers work tirelessly to stop Class A drugs reaching our streets. We are determined to prevent this terrible trade which can have such a destructive impact on the lives of so many.

“Anyone with information about activity they suspect may be linked to drug smuggling should call the Customs’ hotline on 0800 59 5000 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”