A Birmingham smuggler has been jailed for trying to bring £1.2 million of heroin into the UK via Heathrow Airport in the bottom of his suitcase.
Mohammed Mazhar, 48, of Bordesley Green East, was sentenced to six years imprisonment when he appeared at Isleworth Crown Court on July 12.
Mazhar was stopped by Border Force officers at 8.50pm on March 26 when he arrived at the airport’s Terminal 4 on a flight from Pakistan which travelled via Doha.
During a search of baggage Border Force officers discovered heroin which had been hidden in the bottom of his suitcase.
Further drugs were found concealed in a hollowed out wooden frame he was carrying in his luggage.
More than nine kilos of the Class A drug was discovered which had an estimated street value of £1.2 million.
The case was referred to the National Crime Agency’s (NCA) Border Policing Command and, following questioning, Mazhar was charged with attempting to import a Class A drug.
Phil Douglas, Director, Border Force Heathrow, said: “The expertise of Border Force officers not only kept these dangerous drugs off the UK’s streets, but was also the vital first step in bringing Mazhar to justice.
“This sentencing serves as a clear warning to anyone thinking of smuggling drugs into the UK - we will catch you and you will be put before the courts to face justice.”
Anyone with information about activity they suspect may be linked to smuggling should call our hotline on 0800 59 5000.
