Major drug seizure at airport

Jul 31 2007 By Mark Cowan, Birmingham Mail

CUSTOMS officers at Birmingham Airport have seized a £1.6 million haul of heroin bound for the streets of the Midlands.

The eagle-eyed officers intercepted the 30-kilo consignment of Class A drugs as it was going through a freight forwarding company in the city.

Thirty packets of heroin - one of the largest seizures by Customs staff in the area - were found "expertly concealed" in an international cargo delivery.

The drugs seizure led to a series of police raids in Leicestershire which saw nine people arrested, HM Revenue & Customs said.

All have been bailed pending further inquiries.

The drugs were found last week but details have only now been released after police carried out the swoops.

Today the Birmingham-based investigators were praised by bosses.

Bob Lyne, from HM Revenue & Customs, said: ÒThis was a major seizure for Customs Officers and one of the largest ever detected in the area.

"Those trying to smuggle drugs into the country have no regard for the devastating effects it has on our communities.

"They are only interested in making fast and easy money, regardless of the impact and harm it causes to others."

Det Insp Dave Sandall, from Leicestershire Constabulary, said: "We are determined to fight the drugs menace that blights our communities.

"Enquiries into this incident are ongoing and we will continue to work with our partner agencies to deal with the issue of drugs cultivation and supply."