SAA cabin crew arrested after drugs worth £150,000 found in baggage at Heathrow.

South African Airways cabin crew have been arrested after cannabis worth about £150,000 was found in baggage arriving at Heathrow.

Fifty kilos (110lb) of the drug were discovered on a flight that came in from Johannesburg, a spokesman for HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) said.

Fifteen members of staff were taken into custody after the seizure by officers from the UK Border Agency.

The drugs were discovered in three pieces of baggage, the spokesman said.

The flight arrived at the London airport at 8am.

Those held were both flight crew and cabin crew.

HMRC spokesman Bob Gaiger said: "Those arrested are now being held in custody and will be interviewed by HMRC investigation officers.

"HMRC, together with UKBA (UK Border Agency), play a vital role in the fight to prevent illegal drugs from entering the UK and in protecting our communities from the violence and corruption that always accompany this hideous trade."

Anyone with information about activity they suspect may be linked to drugs smuggling should call a 24-hour customs hotline on 0800 59 5000.

Update 24/01/2009 - Cartel link to SAA drug bust

29/01/2009 - SAA security firm's ANC links