WIREDGOV

Two men have been arrested on suspicion of importing cocaine after a National Crime Agency raid on a freight warehouse near Heathrow Airport.

The men, a 45-year-old from Hayes and a 32-year-old from Southall, were detained at the warehouse in Hounslow in the early hours of Tuesday 21 February.

Their arrests followed the seizure of approximately three kilos of cocaine discovered in air freight at Gatwick.

Drugs were found in thin packages (see picture, right) concealed in the struts of a container, which was examined by Border Force officers after arriving into the UK from Jamaica the previous day. It was then due to be moved by road up to a bonded freight agent in Hounslow. 

The two men were questioned by NCA investigators while searches of their home addresses were carried out. They were later released on bail pending further enquiries until May.

Darren Barr, from NCA Border Investigations, said:

“These arrests are part of an ongoing investigation into the importation of controlled drugs into the UK. That will continue with the evidence we have found during this phase of the operation.

“The cocaine seized here would likely have had a wholesale value to organised crime of around £100,000, but if cut and sold on the streets a potential value of more than £360,000, so that is profit that has been taken away from criminality.

“Working with law enforcement partners like Border Force we are determined to stop those who would seek to circumvent border controls for criminal purposes.”

Sue Young, Director of Border Force South, said:



“In making this seizure, Border Force officers at Gatwick have taken dangerous Class A drugs out of circulation.

“Our officers are on the front-line of the fight to stop drugs, weapons, contraband and illegal immigrants entering the UK. Using detection dogs and the very latest technology, they are on constant alert to protect the country.”