PBM reveal shock at drugs discovery
Added on Wednesday, May 4th, 2011 by Carole Nash Editor
PBM reveal shock at drugs discovery
The Paul Bird Kawasaki World Superbike team has spoken of its shock after a quantity of drugs and illegal firearms were found on board two of its trucks by UK Border officials.
Following last month’s World Superbikes round in the Netherlands, UK Border Agency officials in Dover found 8kg of cocaine (with a street value of £350,000), 71kg of amphetamine tablets, more than 100kg of cannabis, a handgun and 35 rounds of ammunition, with no attempt made to conceal them, claimed a report in the Daily Telegraph.
The UK Border Agency later confirmed that two PBM lorries were searched as they passed through Dover Eastern Docks last month and that quantities of class A drugs, class B drugs and a handgun were discovered. Four men, believed to be PBM drivers and mechanics, were arrested on suspicion of the importation of controlled drugs and firearm offences and were later released on bail pending further enquiries.
In a statement, Paul Bird Motorsport denied that any of its staff had been involved in an attempt to import illegal items into the UK, admitting shock at the UKBA discovery.
“Paul Bird Motorsport can confirm that a quantity of banned substances had been deposited in a race transporter while the vehicle was in Holland attending the recent Assen World Superbike event,” it read.
“The substances, along with a number of other illegal items, were discovered upon the vehicle’s return to the UK at the port of Dover during a routine examination by HM Customs.
“Naturally, the discovery came as a shock to the whole team, including those who were present during the search. The team are confident that no team member has any connection whatsoever with the items discovered. No one has been detained after the time of the search and all team members are able to undertake their normal duties.
“There is no suggestion of the Paul Bird Motorsport Team being involved in illegal activities and no other team members have been interviewed following the incident. The team staff present at the time of the search and discovery enjoy the full support and confidence of the team and all involved are determined to offer their full cooperation to HM Customs in their ongoing investigations.
“Understandably, the team are now taking stringent measures to increase the security of their vehicles as they travel throughout Europe in future. Despite the personal effect on the team, Paul Bird Motorsport will be attending the next World Superbike event at Monza, Italy at full strength and with a determination to focus on the Championship.”
