HMR&C John McGowan

John McGowan from Her Majesties Revenue and Customs gave us a most fascinating talk on the investigations branch of the Customs agency of HMR&C. John has pent many years working in investigations with his main thrust on drug smuggling. It is not an easy job as criminals invent all sorts of methods to circumvent the eagle eye of customs. One lorry was stopped on information but nothing could be found though their information was from a good source. Eventually using a scanner a false floor was found in the tailor and a large haul of drugs was discovered. A favorite route is to sail up round the north of Scotland and transfer the drugs from a mother ship to feeders who take it to smaller ports. Unfortunately a few years ago an officer was killed when the crew decided to set the boat on fire and he was trapped.