£1.2 million drug smuggling plot foiled at Gatwick

An attempt to smuggle £1.2 million worth of cocaine into the UK hidden in handbags and a suitcase has been prevented by Border Force officers at Gatwick Airport.

Officers discovered the Class A drugs when two passengers were stopped after arriving on a flight from Aruba on Friday morning. The weight of the drugs was estimated to be around 15 kilos and a full forensic analysis will now take place.

Tim Kingsberry, director of Border Force South, said: “Using their skill and expertise, Border Force officers protect our country from those who attempt to smuggle in dangerous drugs. In this case, the drugs seized were estimated to have a potential value of approximately £1.2 million once cut and sold on the streets.

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“Working with law enforcement colleagues like the National Crime Agency we are determined to prevent drug trafficking and bring those responsible to justice.”

A 31-year-old Italian man, David Fasano, and a 25-year-old Spanish woman, Tania Cedino-Piguane were charged with importing a Class A drug. Fasano, of Grove Vale Road, East Dulwich, and Cedino-Piguane, of no fixed address, both appeared at Croydon Magistrates Court on Monday and were remanded in custody. They will next appear at Croydon Crown Court on 14 August.

In a separate incident on Saturday, Border Force officers at Gatwick foiled another attempt to smuggle cocaine into the country. Officers discovered around 1.5kgs of the drug when a passenger was stopped after arriving on a flight from Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago. The drugs, which have an estimated street value of around £75,000, were found inside a suitcase.

A 25 year-old man from Trinidad and Tobago, Nehemiah Timon Gulston, was charged with importing a Class A drug. Gulston, of no fixed UK address, appeared at Croydon Magistrates Court on Monday and was remanded in custody. He will next appear at Croydon Crown Court in August.

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