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Former British Touring Car Championship team boss Victor Lee has been sentenced to 12 years in prison after being found guilty of drug trafficking offences.
Lee was one of four men who pleaded guilty at Southwark Crown Court after cocaine with a street value of £1.7 million was found in their procession at a Holiday Inn in Buckinghamshire last February.
Lee was the managing director of Vic Lee Racing Ltd, that won the BTCC twice in the early nineties, and more recently prepared Peugeot's effort in the category. Lee, the alleged organiser, had £19,000 cash in his vehicle.
He had a previous conviction for importing 41kgs of cocaine in 1993.
Chris Thompson, HMRC assistant chief investigation officer said: "This case is a significant success for Customs, not only in terms of the seizure of a large quantity of cocaine, but also in that a criminal organisation, heavily involved in Class A drug trafficking, has been dismantled.
"The fact that we are dealing with serious and determined criminality is evidenced by the fact that Lee was sentenced to 12 years imprisonment in connection with the importation of 41kgs of cocaine in 1993.
"The severity of the sentences handed down today should send out a clear warning to those who attempt to deal in Class A drugs in the UK. HM Revenue & Customs will continue to work at the forefront of the fight to stop drug trafficking in the UK, and to reduce the associated harm to our communities."