ONE of the largest-ever hauls of heroin to come in through Harwich has been seized by customs officers.Two Dutch sisters are today facing drug charges over the 115kg (253lb) consignment of the class A opiate, which has an estimated street value of more than £8million.

ONE of the largest-ever hauls of heroin to come in through Harwich has been seized by customs officers.

Two Dutch sisters are today facing drug charges over the 115kg (253lb) consignment of the class A opiate, which has an estimated street value of more than £8million.

Officers stopped a van yesterday shortly after it arrived on the ferry from the Hook of Holland.

The vehicle was searched and the heroin haul was discovered in the back of the vehicle, hidden among some old furniture.

Jacquline Merceij, 39, of Oudenbosch and Manon Merceij, 45, of Geeruliet, have been arrested and charged with smuggling offences.

The pair were due to appear at Colchester Magistrates Court today.

They were charged this morning with importation of controlled drugs contrary to Section 3 of The Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, namely 115 kg of diamorphine (heroin).