Record ecstasy seizure at Chunnel

Customs officials display some of the drugs found in a record Channel Tunnel haul

French police have seized a record amount of ecstasy tablets and 10kg (22lbs) of cocaine in a raid at Calais end of the Channel Tunnel.

The haul, bound for Britain, is worth 10 million francs (£1m) and is the biggest drug find in the tunnel.

More than 350,000 ecstasy pills - double the amount confiscated in France in the whole of last year - were hidden among canned goods in a British lorry which was registered in Belgium.

Ecstasy is associated with dancing and the rave culture

The seizure took place at the end of last month but was not publicised at the time for police operational reasons.

The lorry's Belgian driver was arrested and is being held in custody while police and customs investigate the origin of the drugs.

The French Finance Minister, Christian Sauter, congratulated customs officials at the Channel Tunnel.

Inherent dangers

Ecstasy, or E as it is known on the street, is the chemical compound MDMA (methylenedioxyamphetamine).

Its use in Britain is associated with the rave dance culture and it is often used by "ravers" to increase stamina and energy and induce a "high".

Like most drugs there are inherent dangers, particularly overdosing, dehydration and lacing tablets with impurities.

Most ecstasy tablets sold in Britain are believed to be manufactured in the Netherlands but in recent years Poland has become a major source of ecstasy and amphetamines.

More than 600 people were arrested in northern France last year on charges of trafficking in drugs destined for Britain.