SAA crew in cocaine bust at Heathrow, part II

JOHANNESBURG - Fifteen members of a South African Airways crew were arrested at London's Heathrow airport on Monday after officers from the UK Border Agency (UKBA) discovered five kilos of cocaine in a piece of crew member's baggage. The estimated street value of the haul is some £250,000.

SAA spokeswoman Robyn Chalmers confirmed that three cockpit and 12 cabin crew members operating flight SA234 from Johannesburg to London were detained by British authorities "after contraband was found in the crew bus at Heathrow Airport."

Bob Gaiger, HM Revenue & Customs Heathrow spokesman said in a statement: "Crew members are subject to the same customs checks as any other person when entering the UK. 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."

This is the second time in under a month that the SAA crew on flight SA 234 have been detained after drugs were found in their baggage. On Tuesday January 20 this year fifteen crew members were arrested at Heathrow after customs officials found 50 kilos of cannabis (dagga) and four kilos of cocaine in three pieces of baggage. British customs officials were unable to identify which individuals the baggage belonged to and the crew were released on unconditional bail and ordered to report back to Heathrow Police Station on March 23. A security guard working for Reshebile Aviation & Protection Services and a cabin crew member were subsequently arrested in Johannesburg in relation to the bust.

Chalmers said on Monday that following these arrests, "SAA tightened existing security measures including changing security systems, physical searches of bags and using dogs airside. Following today's incident the airline is again co-operating fully with the British authorities in an investigation that is currently under way. An investigation in Johannesburg, involving SAA Aviation Security and the SAPS Crime Intelligence Unit, is also under way and the two parties are working closely together to further improve current detection systems."

"SAA remains committed to a zero tolerance approach towards the use of the airline's services for any criminal activity and will continue to closely monitor the situation going forward," she said in a statement.

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SAA - albatross around SA neck When are we going to get rid of this currupt monstrosity? SAA is the worst advert for South Africa imaginable! I am in the USA at the moment and are becoming ashamed to admit when asked to say where I am from. by devill on February 17 2009, 03:15 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

its not only drugs that is smuggled by crew members, go investigate some shiny stones from the DRC Congo may be amongst other things smuggled by them. by anonymous fligh attendent on February 17 2009, 05:26 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

@devill ...am you? by the detail on February 17 2009, 06:19 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

NEXT STEP The bad part of these people getting caught in the UK is that they are very desperate to fulfill obligations to which ever powers that they work for. So the obvious next step is that they will try and place these drugs into innocent . .more passengers luggage. Imagine the mayhem if these are discovered at the other side. So my suggestion to passengers is if you are travelling on any SAA flight have your baggage wrapped in plastic. Again the corrupt nature and the get rich quick mentallaty and entitlement thinking of South Africans created by this corrupt ANC and all its members has screwed it up for self respecting citiziens who try and abide to the laws not only in SA but internationally. Monkey see Monkey do is the new SA . . .less by BAB on February 17 2009, 06:24 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Ms Chalmers non credibility In africa it is easy to make grandiose statements: Zero tolerance Upliftment Transformation Democracy. The reality though is a shabby inability to even be able to wash the dishes. Ms Chalmers you do yourself no credit by . .more making nonsensical statements. Get your entire board to a Press Conference to answer some hard questions. Your management is corrupt, stupid, venal, intransigent, careless, and contemptuous of everything. And it shows It is clear that SAA has entirely lost the plot about management and is now focussed only on bling. You are an unnacceptable, dysfunctional rag bag of villains. SAA is a disgrace to the nation . .less by Plutarch on February 17 2009, 06:53 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

OUR SECURITY CHECKS IMPROVED ODD - drugs not found here, our security is non-existent. Proudly Safrican ? I live in Sodom & Gomorrah - majority (not all) society, without honour or morals. It defies description as to how low we have sunk. by CYNIC on February 17 2009, 06:55 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

SAA What a sad state this once proud airline has been reduced to; what a sad and corrupt people this once proud nation has become! by Longfellow on February 17 2009, 07:06 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

THE ROT STARTED WHEN? The general ill discipline and reckless greed started back in 1994 when the liquorice all sorts flag was itrtoduced and normal behaviour became, in the eyes of the ANC junta, abnormal. Too late for tears now all you New SA groupies. by ER on February 17 2009, 07:08 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Privatise SAA Sell SAA, it has cost taxpayers enough billions and created enough embarrasement for the country by Thabo on February 17 2009, 07:33 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

SAA I'm sure that these arrests are just the tip of the iceberg, and that the goods smuggled are not just restricted to narcotics. High time SAA is privatised, it will be more profitable and efficient in every aspect of its operation. by Marie L on February 17 2009, 07:34 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

This country has become so corrupt - STEAL RAPE PLUNDER VIVA ANC VIVA by Gemini on February 17 2009, 07:43 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

I am planning to visit your country .What advice When is the best time to visit?? When are the muggers most active ??? Should I come during their lunch break or do they work 24/7???Is Gautrain safe???Do muggers get a discount on this carrier?? What about Johanesburg airport lots and lots more . .more questions.Most of all should I load my personal insurance policy. . .less by Fu man Chu on February 17 2009, 07:56 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Gives new meaning to the old phrase joining the "mile high club" snooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooort....sniff........sniff........... by Captain Morgan on February 17 2009, 08:15 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Don't worry Zuma will dela with it! No wait he is in court ... by Viva Viva on February 17 2009, 08:42 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

SAA ... ... like the ANC: totally vrot by Buba on February 17 2009, 08:44 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

To Marie L but SAA's crew is trying to generate extra income. When I was living overseas and returned to SA for a visit I asked a flight steward how much liquor I could bring back. He replied that I should rather buy a few cases of good SA wine, pay duty on . .more them and could still sell them for less than I'd pay. Other airlines' crew members can "moonlight" honestly. . .less by Free markets on February 17 2009, 08:57 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

ag nee man Is the ANC the Mafia.... Control the police (Selebe), control flights in and out the country, control harbours,..... how easy to manage your criminal activities if you are the majority in parlament. by gd on February 17 2009, 08:57 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

The use of sniffer dogs at OR Tambo On many occasions I've seen the sniffer dog take unintentional food imports like apples away from little kids. Why don't they use it to "weed" out the dagga smugglers? by The man in the street on February 17 2009, 08:58 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Glenn Coke will no longer be served on international flights. Pepsi will do. by Coke on February 17 2009, 09:05 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

The Brits should take a long hard look at themselves With their corrupt, drug fueled lifestyle they are encouraging people from the developing world to bring the drugs that they crave for. All charges against the SAA crew must be dropped and they must be released immediately. by Hannes on February 17 2009, 09:07 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

I have an idea Let's reward them with another billion of tax-payers money. by Bruce on February 17 2009, 09:09 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Just another reason never to fly SAA The ineptitude and corruption displayed in our crumbling public service sector has reared its ugly head in SAA on all levels from the CEO down - fortunately there are some competent and better yet moral people left. Yet I refuse to fly SAA where the . .more customer is NOT king and now it seems there is a plausible risk of having your luggage tampered with in the worst possible way!!! The consequences of this taking place is enough to cause the company serious harm from a public perception perspective. GET YOUR ACT TOGETHER SAA... . .less by SAA non-FAN on February 17 2009, 09:19 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

ZA Reputation..! Leaving aside the criminalityand sheer stupidity of this incident, this is another nail in the coffin for the country's reputation - two SAA drug smuggling episodes in close succession, dodgy passports...!! Time was when we just used to smuggle biltong! by Barry on February 17 2009, 09:23 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

If you fail... try, try again. by x on February 17 2009, 09:29 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

ANC and drugs and crime. This is ANC culture. Niehaus get approval from the ANC, Police lose dockets, Ploice Commissioner cajoles with Mafia, so what do these stupid anti-crime people in England think they are doing to our poor previously disatvantaged people? Just trying to earn . .more a few pounds the South African way. After all, most criminals get away with it. . .less by Not surprised. on February 17 2009, 09:34 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

desprate whites I m sure most of people who commented here are white. Pity..you already believe that this is the result of democracy, and it was not your choice. You wished you did not liv in SA. Well i wish you guys wake up an see the light some day as you cannot keep . .more on pouncing and capitlising on every negative reporting about your country. It is your country like i or not..or ship out if u think otherise. I would be poviding solutions if i were you, your children will need them someday. Or you would rather they give the same sulking complains as you, their parents before them? . .less by Dikmol on February 17 2009, 09:41 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

ANC.Together we can do more...corruption ANC.Together we can do more...corruption by ANC.Together we can do more...corruption on February 17 2009, 09:44 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

To Moneyweb Why does this article appear on politicsweb? Are you suggesting that this type of crime is a political one? I am interested in you comment. by J on February 17 2009, 09:50 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

anything goes here... excerpt Joost's vid I'm disappointed in MNY for not publishing the above video clip or still images of the vid. C'mon upload the stuff...anything goes on this website mos by Disappointed again on February 17 2009, 09:55 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

@Dikmol and out comes the apartheid card......... SAA is an embarresmnet for the country and for the ANC. Tell me why goverment is doing nothing about this or any of the other crime problems or is it to close to home.... Mafia that is what it is. Privatise . .more SAA is the answer. . .less by gd on February 17 2009, 10:15 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

the solution UK must seize the aircraft. Fire SAA management entrusted with this problem - shame on them - this is the 2nd time - no excuses. Do this before something far worse happens. As for me - I will never fly SAA again - simply cannot be trusted. As for Khaya - . .more I want to vomit ala Watson. . .less by onlooker on February 17 2009, 10:19 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Maybe Carl is involved Fortunately SAA takes security seriously, especially after the 1st incident. HA HA HA !! Important to note that security checking the crew etc is pointless if security themselves are involved in the smuggling. Criminality is not about race so . .more lets not be racist and point out that it is black people involved in these incidents. . .less by Sadman on February 17 2009, 10:26 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

@Dikmol we did provide solutions, but it does not get implemented. We said long time ago, get rid of incompetents (all ANC cronies and gravy trainers). Do not take any C*** from gangsters Selebi et al. Do not condone fraud and corruption Niehaus, Zuma, . .more Travelgate, Arms deal etc. etc. You do not want to listen. . .less by AP on February 17 2009, 10:35 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Security Risk If they are paid to smuggle drugs, they can be paid to smuggle bombs. 9/11 can happen again. by Nathan on February 17 2009, 10:46 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

@Dikmol: F*** you! typical dumbed-down African mentality by Dave on February 17 2009, 11:15 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

SAA - not if I can help it ... I gave up flying SAA and hence from trying to support our national airline on all international travel. I just could no longer bear the lack of basic understanding of what an air hostess should be doing in her job. The "talking" between . .more themsevles - at the top of their voices, as though screaming to a neighbouring villager on the opposite hill, late at night when one is trying to get some sleep was the final straw that made me switch to a first-world airline with first world staff and service! . .less by Virgin on February 17 2009, 11:24 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

The drug problem in the UK is unacceptable If there was no market then the flight crew would not take it in. Anyway the UK economy is so down the toilet they will legalise coke soon so they can charge excise duties on it. They have already said they will charge 63pounds for a visa. People, . .more dont stress about it. Just be glad you are not English! . .less by Bennett on February 17 2009, 11:25 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Dont fly them If no one flys them they will be forced to privatise... and there are so many better options to fly with eg, Emirates, Delta, Virgin Atlantic and locally Comair/Kulula... I am also starting to dought SAA's ability to keep their planes safe.... by Wont fly them... on February 17 2009, 11:37 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

I will rid the rot that is SAA I will rid the rot that is SAA... by Hellen Zille on February 17 2009, 11:38 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

hloksa@webmail.co.za All you morons who post racist comments must remember that we have two white flight attendants arressted for drug smuggling over 6 years ago. One is in some prison in Singapore(if she is still alive) and the other case was in Australia. It's about . .more personal ethic and preference, and it's not about politics. You can't do crime and blame other thugs because one's deeds often reflect who or what they really one. . .less by LL on February 17 2009, 11:49 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

SAA I hope the British impound the aircraft by the pilot on February 17 2009, 11:56 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

DRC diamonds through ZIM through SAA to Europe Its been happening for years, that why Mbeki wont touch Mugabe, and Trevor keeps funding SAA, by Koos on February 17 2009, 12:00 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

@LL You are right LL. This is not about politics. Its about crime. Why is it on moneyweb in any case by J on February 17 2009, 12:03 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

yes LL you are correct but the current spate of drug-carrying activities carries the hallmark of organised activity involving quite a few people who are nominally entrusted NOT to do that sort of thing; e.g. security companies and possible SAA management. The events you refer . .more to were illegal acts performed by individuals. Surely even someoone as racially twisted as yourself (who constantly seek to cover up wrondoings by alluding to the behaviour of others) can see the difference between the African organisation of corruption on a grand scale and illegal activities carried out essentiall for "private" gain. perhaps you can't. I am pretty certain that not one of the people posting comments under this article supports drug dealing BY ANYONE yet you somehow use perverted logic to make it appear so. You are the typical reason why Africa is doomed; you will not take any responsibility . .less by Cassandra on February 17 2009, 12:36 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Niger i have a friend who works at SAA, she recently asked to be moved to domestic airline> She could not withstand the Nigerian pressure that has infiltrated the airhostess, its scary the story she told me by 2pac on February 17 2009, 13:06 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

You can't privatise SAA.... because if you do, you will be creating one of the biggest drug cartels in the World. by Sipho on February 17 2009, 13:30 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Mr Manuel So I suppose your recent allocation of R1.6bn to this public monstrosity was, quite literally, a "bail-out" package. WOW what foresight!!! Hmmmm..., can't really blame you considering your party affiliation. On a more productive note, since the likelyhood . .more of me losing my job has now sky-rocketed, due to recent economic events, I'm thinking of starting a poppy plantation (thanks Bennet for the hot tip ;-). Is there any government farming subsidy that I can apply for? Or evenbetter still, how's about my very own bail-out package, since I'm also contributing to the moral degeneration of this fine country? I also agree with LL. Could you kind, polite, concerned contributors of this site please avoid turning a moral & ethical debate into a racial one? Just a thought. . .less by 3ven on February 17 2009, 13:34 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

The coce was for use, not for sale The cocaine was leftover stash to be used by the cockpit crew on the return journey. That explins the inflight commentary... "Thish ish your captain shpeaking.....aboard flight esh A two-shree-four.....departing from Johanneshburg to . .more Heashrow...". Have a shmashing day!! . .less by Wilbur on February 17 2009, 13:40 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Air Hostesses can not suplement their income! You see DIKMOL the majority of the air hostesses are unable to suplement their income in the manner in which lond distance ambulace health personell can supplement their incomes by bonking with pirate passengers between towns. If there was more privacy on . .more the planes, I assure you your would be taking payemnt for services rendered a long time ago! It would seem that your incompetent viewpoints would be ideal to enable you to stand as an candidate for the ANC in the next election! . .less by Compadre on February 17 2009, 13:52 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Bring back the Afrikaner.They really loved this country. Security company must go now. Used to be weekly arrests on Sao Paolo flights but nothing anymore. Surely that can't be because of better security. by Oracle of Delmas on February 17 2009, 14:01 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Management style This is probably all a consequence of a particular management style which involves excessive pomping at the Inter Continental Hotel. Come on guys - you gotta understand. TIME HAS COME MY CHINA by Snorter on February 17 2009, 14:18 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Deville Can it be any worse than the USA who is responsible for the financial crisis!!! by Yankee on February 17 2009, 14:25 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Anyone remember DeLorean? A fellow called John DeLorean tried the same thing in the UK in the 80s when his sports car operation got into trouble. So we can't even congratulate Khaya on an innovative turnaround plan. Hope he's enjoying his "special" leave (at taxpayer's expense). by C.Andrews on February 17 2009, 14:26 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

choices Why drink and drive when you can "fly" SAA with a little snort in the galley. by Umfiki on February 17 2009, 14:33 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

liberation struggle if south africa had been a poor country apartheid would have been ok by butch on February 17 2009, 15:45 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Prohibition doesn't work I laugh at the double standards people have towards illegal substances. Often the same people who are happy to get wasted on the weekend on beer/brandy/whisky but get on their moral "high" horse about people who indulge in the illegal stuff. Prohibition . .more doesn't work and in any event individuals should have the right to choose their drug of choice, whether it's alcohol, nicotine, amphetamines or others. A lot of of the problems stem from the very fact that the stuff is illegal and not the stuff itself: if you banned meat, there would still be a meat trade, but it would be run by thugs and scumbags. . .less by amused on February 17 2009, 16:00 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

SAA @ Risk I do not think that it is fair to tarr the entire airline and its staff with one foul swoop of the brush. To me SAA is a relatively good airline and I am not embarrassed to fly with them at all. The fleet of aircraft are relatively new and the pilots and . .more cabin staff are well trained and courteous. Unfortunately, a bad CEO, some bad managemnet decisions, dubious security measures and a few rotten apple cabin crew members have discredited the entire airline and the work of many loyal and competant employees. . .less by SA Citizen on February 17 2009, 16:04 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Prohibition doesn't work, pt 2 In fact many of the illegal drugs have been deemed less harmful than booze and ciggies: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/scienceandtechnology/science/sciencenews/3352286/Alcohol-'is-more-dangerous-than-ecstacy'.html by amused on February 17 2009, 16:05 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Money , Power and Drugs...... South Africa's P******* laws allows people to have the guts to be corrupt and feeds the need to have power and money. So , if you want to be megalomaniac , try smuggling because it beats a mundane job. by Nick on February 17 2009, 17:12 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Sexwale's Lear Jets Any idea how many Lear(jets) Sexwale owns and/or operates anyone? I am just curious as there are conflicting numbers. by Far side on February 17 2009, 17:18 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

How's your luggage? In my very first job after school, I worked at one of the airports. The pilots used to ask me to smuggle their pistols through security because they couldn't be bothered to go through the security process. I did this several times a day, for almost a year . .more - and never got caught because of my familiarity with airport staff. (I was very naive - it didn't occur to me then that this was more than just a harmless avoidance of unnecessary paperwork). With 9/11, airport security clamped down on nail-clippers - this was not about prevention as much as cultivating faith in travelers that "Something Is Being Done". Airport security worldwide are nothing more than a bunch of bored, arrogant security guards who like to play NYPD with passengers. I believe the biggest vulnerability to airline security and passenger safety are the staff that work on the apron and in the terminal building. How's your luggage? . .less by Smuggler on February 17 2009, 18:18 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

SA Corruption The Government condone corruption and dishonesty, and their state airline does the same. From the CEO down (see Carte Blanche) the whole thing is rotten to the core. No wonder we now have to provide visas to enter the UK! This is actually quite sickening . .more how the whole country simply accepts what the ANC condone!! Alla Mr Niehaus - don't worry, he will be put in some other ANC job soon too! Heaven help us all! . .less by Flying Ace on February 17 2009, 18:55 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

AFRICAN NATIONAL CRIMINALS AFRICAN NATIONAL CRIMINALS by ANC on February 17 2009, 21:04 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

eish is brokkenn by Radio Zooma on February 18 2009, 04:13 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

The Need Anybody who's been to the UK knows that drugs are a national pastime. Its almost cheaper to get high than drunk. As long as there is a market for drugs there will be suppliers. It is embarrassing though, put your money where your nostril is, . .more don't fly SAA. Simple. . .less by mike on February 18 2009, 06:50 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

SAA-Home Affairs our big shame It now explains why I was targeted at HeathrowAirport and had my bags searched. At first, I felt embarrassed and upset. My SA stereotyoe kicked in making me think these Europeans think the worst of us. I did not even realise the guy who searched me was . .more black. At the boarder post I had answered a lot of questions and had my passport thoroughly checked. Now I realise their elimination process. I had landed from Jhb, on an SAA flight, using an SA passport. At this rate even Afghanistan is going to blacklist our passport. . .less by Sfiso Memela on February 18 2009, 09:48 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Zero tolerance? Does it imply that being charged for fraud and corruption is the "zero tolerance" way of punishing drug smugglers? Better compare the punishment for the above charges to that of drug smuggling - then the answer reads: Maximum . .more tolerance! SAA Smuggle Anything, Anywhere! . .less by Kux on February 18 2009, 14:50 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Way Fwd The way forward is the born frees the ones born after 94 they dont care about race, xenophobia, being favoured or previously disadvantaged . They compete on equal terms across races and can tell who is good and who is not. When they grow into adults thats . .more when we will see the true new South Africa bsaed on real values. . .less by Kas on February 18 2009, 15:39 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Corruption, Incompetence, Greed The symptoms of ignorance and absolute lack of management. No matter how brand new the planes, they will be run down very quickly because of the lack of proper maintenance. We are living with a society who cannot take responsibility for their actions. The . .more next that will go down is a plane. Not too long ago it was Eskom. . .less by @ Risk on February 18 2009, 21:18 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

The fall of a great airline Unfortunately, you reap what you sow. Not that drug smuggling isn't a world wide problem but rather SAA is the victim of post-apartheid hiting policies. In the country's rush to hire blacks and Indians and Coloreds, they lost track of reality. Running and . .more operating a majot world airline requires hiring the very best and brightest minds... not a bunch of multi-ethnic idiots who need calculators to count two busses on the street. SAA was once one of the world's greatest airlines but now it has sunk to an all time low because of the people it hires to manage and operate it's fleet. You place uneducated people with criminal ( lets steal what we can from our ex-oppressors ) mentality, and this is what happens. I'm an ex-pat and it gets harder by the day to tell people that I was once South African . .less by David on February 27 2009, 09:39 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

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