An Orpington man was due to appear in court today charged with trying to smuggle guns and drugs across the English Channel.

Christopher Whitehead, 40, of Jubilee Road, was one of a group of 12 people arrested on Friday as part of a joint operation by British and French police.

One of the group is a serving border force officer, say police.

Dave Hucker, of the National Crime Agency (NCA), said: “This operation has brought together law enforcement from both sides of the Channel. Our investigation is ongoing, both in the UK and in France.”

Whitehead and five other men, all from Kent, were due to appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court today charged with conspiracy to import firearms and class A drugs.

Four others British nationals, including the border force officer, remain in French police custody, near Calais, while two men have been released pending further investigations.

The arrests were made after police seized eleven firearms, including nine handguns and two revolvers along with magazines and suppressors. French officers also seized approximately 34 kilos of cocaine, and seven kilos of heroin.

The other men appearing in court are: Christopher Hendra, 29, of Dunlin Walk, Sittingbourne; Liam Attwell, 18, of Becketts Close, Ashford; Terry Willett, 31, of Long Meadow Way, Canterbury; Daniel Duvall, 36, of Coldharbour Lane, Maidstone; Craig Brabon, 36, of Hazebrouck Road, Faversham.

Det Chief Supt Michael Gallagher, head of the Met's organised crime command unit, said: “We are pleased to work with the NCA and French police during this ongoing investigation."