Gideon Ikwe, a Nigerian national, was held by officers from the newly formed UK Border Agency (UKBA), who passed the case to the HM Revenue & Customs

Gideon Ikwe who arrived at Birmingham International Airport on a flight from Lagos in Nigeria on Sunday was arrested on suspicion of attempting to smuggle half a kilo of cocaine into the UK.The man, 37-year-old Gideon Ikwe, a Nigerian national, was held by officers from the newly formed UK Border Agency (UKBA), who passed the case to the HM Revenue & Customs for investigation.Ikwe was later charged under the Customs and Excise Management Act 1979 and was remanded in custody to appear in court in Manchester.The cocaine had an estimated value of £20,000 but this would have doubled or even trebled once 'cut' by drug dealers.Steve Roper, detection manager for UKBA, said: "This is an excellent result and an example of good joint working by our teams of officers. "We will continue to work with HMRC to tackle smugglers who attempt to bring goods illgally into the UK.
"We hope this sends out a clear message, our approach is one of zero tolerance. Regional airports should not be seen as a soft touch."
Jennie Kendall, of HM Revenue & Customs, added: "We are working alongside UKBA to stop these dangerous drugs enterting the UK and to reduce the associated harm to our communities. "The latest seizure of drugs reflects the strenuous and committed efforts of dedicated teams of officers."We aim to protect society from drug smuggling wherever we detect it, at the borders on inland, and will not hesitate to bring individuals before the courts.

Gavin Archibald Thorburn appeared at Solihull Magistrates Court yesterday.

Gavin Archibald Thorburn, of Scatterill Close, Bradwell, appeared at Solihull Magistrates Court yesterday.He was arrested last Monday after he landed at Birmingham international airport on a flight from Nairobi via Dubai.Officers from the newly formed UK Border Agency (UKBA) seized the drugs which were found concealed in luggage.Mr Thorburn was charged with attempting to import three kilos of cocaine with a value of £120,000 - this would have doubled or even trebled once 'cut' by drug dealers.He has not yet made a plea and was remanded until August.
Steve Roper, Detection Manager for UKBA, said: "This is an excellent result and an example of good joint working by our teams of officers.
We will continue to work with our partners in HMRC to tackle smugglers who attempt to bring goods illegally into the UK.
"We hope this sends out a clear message that our approach is one of zero tolerance.
"Regional airports should not be seen as a 'soft touch' for smuggling activities."

Simone Ferre charged with drug smuggling after cocaine worth £80,000

Simone Ferre, 65, has been charged with drug smuggling after cocaine worth £80,000 was found in her bag at Birmingham International Airport.Custom Officers stopped Simone Ferre, 65, as she arrived on a flight via Brussels from Nairobi, Kenya.The cocaine was discovered concealed in her hand luggage. She was remanded and will appear at court in Solihull.