Image copyright National Crime Agency Image caption Six men have been charged as part of a police operation in France and south east England

A group of men have appeared in court on charges of importing firearms and Class A drugs into the UK.

Eleven firearms, 74lb (34kg) of cocaine and 16lb (7kg) of heroin were seized near Calais on Friday 6 October.

French police arrested four men, including a serving Border Force officer from Dover. The Met Police arrested eight men in Kent and London and charged six.

They appeared before Westminster Magistrates' Court earlier.

Image caption Armed police were deployed outside Westminster Magistrates' Court

Accused of conspiracy to import firearms and Class A drugs are:

Christopher Hendra, 29, of Dunlin Walk, Sittingbourne, Kent

Liam Attwell, 22, of Becketts Close, Ashford, Kent

Terry Willett, 31, of Long Meadow Way, Canterbury, Kent

Daniel Duvall, 36, of Coldharbour Lane, Maidstone, Kent

Craig Brabon, 36, of Hazebrouck Road, Faversham, Kent

Christopher Whitehead, 40, of Orpington, south-east London

They have all been remanded in custody, with no applications for bail.

The six will appear at Woolwich Crown Court on 6 November.

Image caption The six men arriving at Westminster Magistrates' Court

The two other men arrested in the UK were released as the investigation continues.

The Border Force officer, 36, remains in French custody.

Searches by NCA officers have taken place in the Dover and Folkestone areas.