A Metropolitan Police call handler has denied smuggling cocaine disguised as porridge into the UK.

Donna’ree Bennett, 33, is accused of smuggling the Class A drug in her luggage under the guise of a peanut porridge on April 19, 2024.

Appearing at the Old Bailey on Wednesday, the 33-year-old from Hackney has pleaded not guilty to fraudulent evasion of a prohibition relating to the alleged importation of a Class A drug.

She also pleaded not guilty to two charges of transferring and possessing criminal property alleged to represent the proceeds of crime - both of which took place between November 1, 2022 and January 31, 2024.

The defendant was charged following an investigation directed by the Independent Office for Police Conduct.

Judge Anuja Dhir KC set a timetable for the case with a trial from August 23 next year.

Bennett has been granted continued unconditional bail.