BIRMINGHAM: A man has been jailed for more than five years after he was caught smuggling more than £600,000 worth of heroin into the UK from Pakistan.
Khalid Mahmood, of Colonial Road in Bordesley Green , was stopped by Border Force officers at Heathrow Airport as he arrived on a flight from Lahore via Abu Dhabi last November.
The 46-year-old, a Pakistani national, was travelling with one checked-in bag which was searched by officers who found two tape-wrapped packages within items of clothing.
Tests were carried out and the contents were found to be approximately 5.5kgs of heroin with a street value of £632,700.
Mahmood was arrested on suspicion of drug smuggling and the case was referred to the National Crime Agency to investigate before he was charged with drugs importation.
And at Isleworth Crown Court on January 7, Mahmood pleaded guilty and was given a prison sentence of five years and three months.
Phil Douglas, Border Force Heathrow Director, said: “Border Force officers are the front line in the fight against smuggling and play a crucial role in protecting the UK from illegal drugs and other contraband.
“I hope the length of the sentence handed to Mahmood serves as a warning to others who would consider trafficking heroin.
“Working with our colleagues in the NCA we are determined to do all we can to prevent drug smuggling and put those responsible behind bars.”
