WIREDGOV

National Crime Agency investigators are asking the public for help to identify three men wanted in connection with the seizure of 165 kilos of heroin.

The heroin was concealed within metal lathes in a sea container which had arrived into London Gateway Port from Pakistan on 1 July 2014. The lathes were delivered to an industrial unit in Oldbury.

Investigators raided the unit on the afternoon of 5 July and arrested three men on suspicion of conspiracy to import heroin – a 41-year-old from Bearwood, a 32-year-old from Small Heath and a 33-year-old man from Castle Bromwich. A fourth man, aged 29, was arrested later at an address in Yardley. All four were released on bail until January 2015.

Investigators are now keen to speak to three other men believed to be from the Birmingham or Sandwell areas who may be able to assist with the investigation. 

The first man is approximately 20 years old, with a thin build, and clean shaven with short brown hair. He was present as the container was unloaded earlier in the day and spoke at length with one of the arrested men. 

The second man is Asian, aged 40-45, with a moustache and greying short black hair. He used a fork lift truck to unload the container during the morning. 

The third man is Asian, aged 30-45, bald and of medium build. He visited a DIY shop in Handsworth on 5 July between 1pm and 2pm and purchased an angle grinder. Investigators believe the tool was used to dismantle the lathes at the unit.

Paul Risby, NCA Birmingham Branch Commander, said:

“We believe these men are connected to this large heroin seizure. They may have key information that will assist us with our investigation. I’d urge them to come forward. I’m also keen to hear from members of the public who might recognise them.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or the National Crime Agency on 0370 496 7622. 

The NCA has received assistance from Border Force and West Midlands Police during the investigation.

Three other men have been arrested since the seizure on suspicion of conspiracy to import heroin – a 34-year-old from Oldbury, a 34-year-old from Quinton and a 50-year-old from Stanwell in Surrey. They have also been bailed until January 2015.