Samsung SRS535 leaking defrost water

[Barrieb]

I have a Samsung SRS535 SIDE BY SIDE FRIDGE/FREEZER approx 4 years old and started leaking defrost water from the floor of the freezer several weeks ago for the first time.
I removed the lining from inside the freezer and thawed the ice from the drip tray (see enclosed picture), with a hair dryer however the thawed water did not flow through to the flexible hose to the evaporation tray located under the heat exchanger coils in the freezer base. I removed the flexible hose and it was not blocked. I then poked a wooden skewer up the flange that the flexibble pipe goes on only to feel something spongy. but could not remove it. The three holes in the drip tray do not line up to any direct path to the flexible hose
It appears to me the freezer is working correctly, defrosting as it should, but the defrsted water is not getting away to the evaporation tray. There appears to be no blockage in the pathe of the defrost water.

Hoping you can assist.