Big heroin haul found at airport

Up to 10 kilograms of the class A drug were found hidden in a soft-sided section of luggage during checks on passengers as they disembarked from an Amsterdam flight last Tuesday.

A 20-year-old man has been charged with the importation of heroin and inquiries are continuing.

Andy Lumb, assistant director of the UK Border Agency, welcomed the seizure which was revealed yesterday.

"This haul shows the checks we carry out at Leeds Bradford are robust," he said. "We search for a range of items, including drugs and weapons as well as cigarettes and tobacco, to keep our border secure.

"Heroin is an illegal and dangerous substance and the smuggling of such drugs is often linked to serious organised crime. The UK Border Agency, in partnership with other agencies, will not hesitate to take strong action against those involved in smuggling."