‘Drug smugglers’ posing as paramedics caught ferrying cocaine worth billions in an ambulance

UK: Suspected drug smugglers posing as paramedics hid cocaine, heroin and amphetamine worth tens of millions of pounds in on board an ambulance.

National Crime Agency officers saw the suspects, who are from Holland and were dressed in paramedic uniforms, meet another two men in Hill Street, Smethwick, West Midlands, on Tuesday.

They say they found a staggering 270 kilos of drugs hidden inside specially constructed concealments behind interior panels, in cupboards and under the floor of the mercy vehicle.

Three holdalls containing thousands of what is believed to be ecstasy pills were also discovered, the Birmingham Mail reports.

Another two men from London seen leaving the car park shortly before the ambulance arrived were also arrested nearby.

Brent Lyon, from the NCA's Armed Operations Unit, said: "This was an audacious plot.

"We believe the two men in the ambulance posed as paramedics to avoid unwanted attention when entering the country through Harwich.

"Our officers were ready and waiting though and stopped the drugs from being distributed to crime groups across the country."

Four Dutch men aged between 27 and 50 were later charged with drug offences and appeared at Birmingham Magistrates' Court.

All four were remanded in custody until July 2 when they will appear at Birmingham Crown Court.

The two men from London have been bailed pending further enquiries.