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Cabin crew held over drug haul Cabin crew quizzed over drug haul
(1 day later)
Fifteen cabin and flight crew staff have been arrested after 50kg (110lbs) of cannabis was found on a flight from Johannesburg to Heathrow Airport. UK customs officers are questioning the entire crew of a South African flight, after a haul of cannabis and cocaine was found concealed in luggage.
The haul, worth about £150,000, was seized from a South African Airways plane, customs officials said. The 15 South African Airways crew, including the pilot, were arrested after their arrival from Johannesburg at Heathrow Airport in London.
Officers from the UK Border Agency found the drugs in three bags after the plane landed in London at 0800 GMT. Customs officials said the drugs, worth about £310,000 ($425,000), were found in three bags at a clearance point.
A customs spokesman said those being held in custody would now be interviewed by investigating officers. Some 50kg (110lb) of cannabis and 4kg (9lb) of cocaine were seized.
He said customs and UK Border Agency officials played a vital role in the fight to prevent illegal drugs from entering the UK. Customs officials said the drugs were discovered in luggage as the crew of 10 women and five men passed through customs on Tuesday morning.
He urged anyone with information about activity they suspect may be linked to drugs smuggling to call the 24-hour customs hotline on 0800 59 5000. Her Majesty's Revenue & Customs spokesman Bob Gaiger said: "Those arrested are now being held in custody and will be interviewed by investigation officers."
Robyn Chalmers, a spokeswoman for the South African government-owned airline whose flight is at the centre of the investigation, said in a statement: "They are being questioned to identify the owner of the bags."