A man has been charged with smuggling firearms and ammunition after 55 loaded Glock pistols were discovered.

The National Crime Agency (NCA) launched an investigation after Border Force officers made the huge haul at the port of Dover in Kent.

Border Force officers stopped the man’s Mercedes Sprinter van shortly before midnight on Wednesday.

The Glock 19 pistols were found hidden inside two spare tyres inside the vehicle. In total, officers recovered around 500 rounds of live ammunition.

Petar Velikov Petrov, age 58, of Varna, Bulgaria, has been charged with smuggling firearms and ammunition and will appear today (Friday) at Margate Magistrates’ Court.

NCA Operations Manager Tracey Gasson said: “This is a massive haul of illegal firearms and ammunition and very significant levels of harm have no doubt been prevented by this brilliant detection.

“Firearms crime in the UK is among the lowest in the world, but the criminal demand for guns continues. We continue to work with partners at home, such as Border Force, and international law enforcement to tackle this threat.”

Ian Hanson, Border Force Director for South East and Europe said: “Border Force are committed to stopping lethal firearms from entering the country illegally.

“We will continue to work tirelessly to keep the public safe and our borders secure.”