By Ashley Young-
Officers from The National Crime Agency have issued a stern warning to drug dealers after making a spate of seizures at Birmingham International Airport.
Over the last two weeks, nine individuals have been apprehended at the airport, each carrying sizable quantities of cannabis ranging from 15 to 40 kilos in their suitcases.
The Border Force has seized a total of approximately 260 kilos of cannabis during this period, with an estimated street value of £750,000.
Notably, the passengers arrested hail from both international and domestic origins, with five arriving on flights from Thailand and four commencing their journeys in the United States.
All nine individuals have been arrested on suspicion of smuggling class B drugs, and they are currently under investigation by the NCA. After being questioned, they have been released on bail pending further inquiries.
NCA investigators are actively examining each seizure, exploring potential connections between the cases.
NCA Branch Commander Mick Pope commented on the recent surge in drug seizures, stating, “Following this unusual amount of seizures in such a short space of time, law enforcement will undoubtedly be paying more attention to passengers coming into Birmingham on certain routes and stepping up checks.”
Pope issued a direct appeal to individuals contemplating involvement in drug transportation to the UK, emphasizing the severe consequences of getting caught.
He pointed out that while some passengers may initiate their journeys in regions where cannabis is legal, the legality of the substance in the country of origin does not exempt them from UK law.
“In some of these cases passenger journeys have started in locations where cannabis may be legal, but that won’t make a difference when you arrive in the UK,” Pope stated. “Organised criminal gangs rely on couriers to bring illicit substances into the UK, their business models rely on it. Consequently, those playing such a role face stiff jail sentences. It simply isn’t worth the risk.”