Apples seized at docks go to zoo

The apples will be fed to animals at the wild animal parks

Eleven pallets of apples seized at customs during a check on a lorry at Dover have been donated to wild animal parks in Kent.

HM Revenue and Customs said the fruit - a quantity of Gala apples - was being used to camouflage 4.6m cigarettes being smuggled into the country.

The apples have now been given to Howletts and Port Lympne where they will be fed to the animals.

The driver of the lorry was interviewed and bailed until June.

Officers from the UK Border Agency stopped the truck on 8 April at the docks in Dover. Inquiries are still being carried out in the case.

Bob Gaiger, HM Revenue & Customs spokesman, said donating the apples to the parks would hopefully provide a valuable resource and help officers dispose of perishable goods.