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Air crew bailed over drugs find Air crew bailed over drugs find
(9 minutes later)
Fifteen crew members have been bailed after customs officers at Heathrow airport seized cannabis and cocaine with a street value of £310,000. Fifteen crew members have been bailed after officials at Heathrow airport seized cannabis and cocaine with a street value of £310,000.
The South African Airways staff, including three pilots, were arrested on Tuesday after 50kg (110lbs) of cannabis was found in baggage.The South African Airways staff, including three pilots, were arrested on Tuesday after 50kg (110lbs) of cannabis was found in baggage.
A further search uncovered 4Kg (8.8lbs) of cocaine, worth £160,000.A further search uncovered 4Kg (8.8lbs) of cocaine, worth £160,000.
The crew, who include three pilots from the Johannesburg flight, have been released pending further inquiries.The crew, who include three pilots from the Johannesburg flight, have been released pending further inquiries.
They have been granted unconditional bail and instructed to report back to Heathrow police station on 23 March, HM Revenue and Customs spokesman Bob Gaiger said.They have been granted unconditional bail and instructed to report back to Heathrow police station on 23 March, HM Revenue and Customs spokesman Bob Gaiger said.
Officers from the UK Border Agency found the cannabis in three bags after the plane landed in London at 0800 GMT on Tuesday. Officers from the UK Border Agency found the cannabis in three bags after the plane landed in London at 0800 GMT on Tuesday. The case was then passed on to Customs.
The Customs spokesman said the cocaine was found in one of the bags during a further search later that afternoon.The Customs spokesman said the cocaine was found in one of the bags during a further search later that afternoon.
He added that all flight and cabin crew are subjected to the same checks as passengers.He added that all flight and cabin crew are subjected to the same checks as passengers.
SAA, which is owned by the South African government, said it was cooperating fully with the UK authorities.SAA, which is owned by the South African government, said it was cooperating fully with the UK authorities.
In a statement, the firm said: "The airline has also launched an investigation into this matter involving SAA Aviation Security and the SAPS [South African Police Service] Crime Intelligence Unit".In a statement, the firm said: "The airline has also launched an investigation into this matter involving SAA Aviation Security and the SAPS [South African Police Service] Crime Intelligence Unit".
SAA added it was arranging to fly the crew back to South Africa, where they would be interviewed by airline officials.SAA added it was arranging to fly the crew back to South Africa, where they would be interviewed by airline officials.