SAA crew in cocaine and cannabis bust at Heathrow

JOHANNESBURG - The flight and cabin crew of a South African Airways (SAA) flight were arrested at London's Heathrow Airport on Tuesday after customs officials found 50 kilos of cannabis (dagga) and four kilos of cocaine in their baggage.

The crew had arrived at Heathrow on the 8am flight from Johannesburg. Officers from the UK Border Agency (UKBA) discovered approximately 50 kilos of cannabis (dagga) worth about £150,000 in three pieces of luggage as the crew passed through a customs clearance point.

According to Bob Gaiger, a Heathrow spokesman for Her Majesty's Revenue & Customs, a further search of the baggage uncovered "about four kilos of a white powder that has tested positive for cocaine." The estimated street value of the cocaine is £160,000. The combined value of the drugs seized is now estimated at some £310,000 (R4.4m).

The fifteen individuals included ten women and five are men. Following the detection of the drugs the case was passed to HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) and enquiries are continuing. Gaiger stated, "Those arrested are now being held in custody and will be interviewed by HMRC investigation officers. HMRC together with UKBA 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."

SAA spokeswoman Robyn Chalmers confirmed that the "arriving SAA crew members on flight SA234 ( Johannesburg - London ) were detained by British customs after three bags were found to contain contraband."

"SAA is co-operating with UK authorities and an investigation in Johannesburg , involving SAA Aviation Security and the SAPS Crime Intelligence Unit, is also under way. SAA will continue to closely monitor the situation going forward" she said in a statement.

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SAA Crew detained at Heathrow airport for drugs bust Serves them right! Anybody who gets involved in this most abhorrent trade must pay a severe price and be removed from society. I have seen the consequences of drug use and so many lives are destroyed by drugs and it's not only the drug users . .more themselves but everybody around them are most severly affected. Drug peddlers and their cohorts must be punished most severely. . .less by ainos on January 21 2009, 07:08 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Drugs How does this relate to Politics? by Carl on January 21 2009, 07:08 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

CRIME and CORRPUTION I am not surprised. If the head of a fish is rotten, expect the tail to be. Who is still proudly South African? Only the ANC and its sheep, led by a Judas Goat. by old, female, pale face on January 21 2009, 07:28 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Haaa haaa haaa haaa haaa Ho ho ho. Hope they rot. by Haaa haaaa on January 21 2009, 07:32 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

SAA Rotten from top to bottom including the fruit. by AA on January 21 2009, 08:05 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

as expected how did the stuff get past jhb international that is my question so there are loads of people involved in this scam but unfortunately when they come back the culprit will be reinstated as usual in this country where criminal thrives by salim on January 21 2009, 08:13 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

SAA Talk about "high flyers" by Oompie on January 21 2009, 08:20 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

SAA Talk about "high flyers" by Oompie on January 21 2009, 08:23 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

How incredibly stupid can one get ? by Dave on January 21 2009, 08:28 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

This is expected This is expected from South Africa, crime is out of control, in all aspects. The whole government should be replaced. by mz on January 21 2009, 08:34 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Crime and Corruption What does ANC have to do with this?- are we going to blame them for everyones stupidity?. You must remember that ANC is not Zuma nor is it Malema, ANC is a democratic movement that has the interest of all at heart. I think even with the current situation . .more of corruption in South Africa a lot of people prefer post apartheid. 79 of repression is not going to be fixed in 14 years. . .less by juju on January 21 2009, 08:35 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

what are we becoming as South Africans so sad, that some one with a job would go to this level. I hope the find the right individual/s and they rot in a jail by sosad on January 21 2009, 08:51 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

its a pity they were not caught in Thailand, the death penalty or life jail.. senmtence will await those smuggling thugs, well done UK Authorities, check from now on all SA Flights and crew members, this was surely not their first time and the only thugs of SA Crew who has done that. by no-mercy on January 21 2009, 08:56 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Disgrace I'll bet transformation has a lot to do with this. by William on January 21 2009, 09:08 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Q who gets to keep the schnaaf? by Amy on January 21 2009, 09:09 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Moneyweb pls xplain why is this article in politicsweb? when are you gonna come up with crimeweb.co.za as this seems to be your speciality by justasking on January 21 2009, 09:20 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Daniel Wonder if you get a 'hit' or a spliff from onboard service when you fly SAA? Will ask enquiries on my next flight.... by Nice one on January 21 2009, 09:22 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Whom appointed the chairman and regularly funds this operation ? Whom appointed the chairman and regularly funds this operation ? by @Carl on January 21 2009, 09:22 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

well at least it's not rocket fuel... ...like they smuggled on the helderberg to Q: i believe it's being offered as part of the inflight service now. "Beer, wine, or something stronger sir?" by charlie on January 21 2009, 09:24 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Miracle It's a miracle that did not manage to loose their own luggage .... by Oom Boom on January 21 2009, 09:37 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

SAA : Disgracefully South African Good for Her Majesties Customs.They should be offered an all expenses two week holiday in South Africa for their reality check.Sooner this parasitic piece of flying illusion gets privatized the better.Instead of being glad of opportunity to see world and . .more for having a job,they treat customers like shut.Viva Kalulu,Viva British Airways.Real,profitable airways with decently trained staff. . .less by Flyboy on January 21 2009, 09:58 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

stupidity I bet some of the idiotic comments made here and the stupidity of the people responsible for these drugs are blamed on the ANC and AA. I feel sorry for you cause you are stupid, even more sorry cause there is no cure for your stupidity. . .more The ANC will root out crime and corruption, individuals have to take resposibility for their actions. ANC will govern S.A for a better life for all. Cope will never cope! . .less by Prof. Ploudly S.A on January 21 2009, 10:07 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Amy I thought you got over the white stuff Q by rehab on January 21 2009, 10:14 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Decriminalise There is good evidence that the world would be a much better place if drugs were decriminalised as with alcohol and tobacco. This would enable the authorities to control the products and their effects far more effectively and largely take the game from . .more the criminal overlords and their gangs. . .less by medicine on January 21 2009, 10:16 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

@juju I can see why folks like you can't take criticism. There is an immediate reaction that reveals a pathological paranoidal assumption that the critics want to revert back to apartheid when they find fault with the present system. It's a brain seizure ... . .more it's either this or apartheid! Get a life, there's something infinitely better that the present setup or apartheid (heavens!). The present setup and apartheid are both abominable . .less by Goodness on January 21 2009, 10:19 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

FYI Its not easy walking straight and give good customer service with 50kgs of compressed zol up your naught. by Left Rudder on January 21 2009, 10:20 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Juju smoking drugs Juju said "You must remember that ANC is not Zuma nor is it Malema, ANC is a democratic movement that has the interest of all at heart" Perlease, Juju, what have you been smoking? by Al on January 21 2009, 10:35 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

francois@propergation.co.za The give flying high another meaning by wise guy on January 21 2009, 10:39 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Stupidity has been high for years He said "The ANC will root out crime and corruption, individuals have to take resposibility for their actions. ANC will govern S.A for a better life for all." Stupidity, you have a REAL problem. I suggest you go straight to a rehab . .more centre Juju and Stupidity rank alongside Zuma's public comments about rooting out corruption in SA politicians and public service. Zuma obviously follows that famous Bushism "You can fool SOME of the people ALL of the time and those are the ones you should concentrate on" . .less by Al on January 21 2009, 10:39 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

An innovative business diversification Well done SAA! Was it Khaya's idea? he is such a clever manager.... by G.Agliotti on January 21 2009, 10:44 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Who's stupid Dream on, Prof "Ploudly SA". As the old saying goes, there are none so blind as those who will not see. This incident is symptomatic of the progressive degradation of our society under the influence of the ANC-inspired culture of entitlement and . .more enrichment. . .less by William on January 21 2009, 10:53 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

@ juju You can't be serious. I could understand your comment if you weren't educated and are victim of the ANC (like Zanu PFP) propaganda machine. When suits the ANC state and party are one but when criminality is rife the Movement is a victim. More like a bowel . .more movement . .less by pinko on January 21 2009, 10:55 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

AHHHHHshheeeeeeeeddduuuuup It's poliitical because on every news wire worldwide its being beamed that South African Airways staff are drup mules. These charlies "pardon the pun" have let the whole whole countries good name down. SAA is state owned and I have no doubt that Mr Ngula . .more is going to be given a whipping for this by the minister of transport (when he finishes counting his loot from the arms deal which will be never) Bottom line is these guys will be given a little time in a UK prison, which is not bad probably a bit like Eaton or Michael house and being" a bit light footed" they will probably enjoy the " attention" they recieve from the inmates. They can then fill cabinate posts in the future. . .less by Senhor on January 21 2009, 11:06 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

I wonder if they will be serving this on their on-board menu soon! by Glenn on January 21 2009, 11:21 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Lash them Lash them, then lash them, then lash them again ....then chuck them in the hole. by Airwolf on January 21 2009, 11:37 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

not the first time Crews have done this surely thousands of times, they just happened to get caught this time... the bottom line is that they don't get checked in JHB so they can do what they like. SAA merely pays lip service to (many) things. They're a C*****, expensive . .more airline (go compare prices to anywhere from anywhere), that's why I dont use them anymore. Their staff are on drugs, their management rips clients off, their Voyager loyalty programme is a joke -- ie you pay "airport taxes" on it the size of a full fare on other airlines. What the hell am I saying? Simple: they suck from the top to the bottom. . .less by TruthSpeaker on January 21 2009, 11:41 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

pathological paranoidal assumption well said "goodness" by misguided on January 21 2009, 11:41 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Why have these guys been released if they were caught red-handed? And SAA's Robyn Chalmers (ex-Business Day say no more) says they will not be suspended while SAA conducts its own enquiry. Typical African lack of accountability and moral fibre. Instead we reward mediocrity. That's our tax money funding all of this by Dave on January 21 2009, 12:11 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Reptilians are back?? Are there still monkeys pandering to race cards here?? In 2009, after Obama's inaugaration nogal? Many a white mule in Malaysian, Chinese and the American prisons. Drugs are not a race thing. Flip in hell would tell you that the Columbians didn't intend . .more it for the poor, as they cost a quite few bob. But some of the kids wouldnt know this. The logic on the blog doesn't equate to primate intelligence, I can conclude that it's some shape-shifting reptilian race with internet access posting comments. . .less by Phreebie on January 21 2009, 12:12 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Does SAA not realise that its employees let down all South Africans when they behave like this ? by JW on January 21 2009, 12:18 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

"WILLIAM" YOU ARE ASSUMING YOU ARE NOT THE ONE WHO CAN SEE A TAD NAIVE I THINK by PROUDLYSA on January 21 2009, 12:31 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Innocent until proven guilty Why do so many of those commenting seem to assume that all 15 are involved in the trafficking? The 3 bags probably belonged to, at most, 3 people. by Naive Dimwit on January 21 2009, 12:39 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

YOH JUJU! The whole ANC led gemors is dropping into the long-drop as predicted by our HNP mob years ago. Stem Reg, Bly Weg!! by ER on January 21 2009, 13:18 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

dragging our name through the mud If they were flying a private company plane it would have been different. Instead they dragged our country's name through the mud, cause the world sees South African Airways and immediately our name takes a shot. Thanks guys, really appreciate it by ashamed on January 21 2009, 13:39 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Someone is watching you The comment regarding decrimilisation is one of apathy. Make the state a provider and it becomes a supplier, the point is that in a perfect world this might work. But with corruptive elements this does not work. Look at the Netherlands where the state . .more decided to make a liberal decision based on the whims of a fringe group of people who wanted to decriminalise drugs. The state controls but did not manage the process and they have got a problem now. The majority of Dutch citzens do not want this issue on their doorsteps. the point is what to do with those people who are now caught. first of all they could release their names so that they can realise the dirty deeds they are guilty of. Bloody P******* idiots . .less by Common Sense on January 21 2009, 13:39 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Don't condemn whole crew My wife is a flight attendant with SAA and flies to the UK often. I don't even want to imagine all the cocky comments she is going to have to put up with from moronic passengers who will assume that all crew members are trying to shift drugs. by SAA Husband on January 21 2009, 17:33 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Thats Life Unfortunately money is the root of all evil! whoever was involved was trying to make an easy buck because the system must have had some kind of a loophole. The ones who did it probably did it before and got away with it and got greedy. Thats life! it has . .more nothing to do with SA, or politics, it happens all over the world and all through history and hey, they got bust, so they have to pay for it. We are all human beings and unfortunately, black, white, pink or green, whatever, we are all prone to this type of thing! Its the individuals character and up bringing that counts, not what party he belongs too! BUT at the end of the day U must stand up for the best u have to offer, so if I was an Air hostess/steward and someone joked about SAA because of this I would joke back because............thats life!!!!!! . .less by Hutch on January 21 2009, 22:47 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

to SAA Husband so what "other" services does your wife offer, mmmm? is she hot? by Perv on January 22 2009, 10:16 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

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