LAHORE: The United Kingdom Border Agency (UKBA) on Tuesday said it has seized a “large amount” of heroin from a PIA flight last night after a sizeable operation that lasted 3 hours, the Web Desk has learnt.
According to details, the UKBA reportedly detained 13 crew members of the national flag carrier’s flight PK-785 at the Heathrow airport for 5 hours. The agency said that no arrests have been made at this point.
Geo News’ Murtaza Ali Shah earlier reported that the UKBA sources said that they had received a tip-off about narcotics on board from Pakistan and that it was suspected that the crew might be involved in it.
At least 30 agents of the border agency participated in the operation that was carried out with help of sniff dogs. During this operation, the crew was questioned about their positions and areas assigned within the aircraft.
PIA’s denial
The PIA spokesperson has denied the claim of narcotics recovery and said that fabricated evidence and reports are being circulated to tarnish the reputation of the national carrier. The PIA also maintains that the airline has not been informed by the UKBA of seizure of any narcotics.
The UKBA denied the claim saying the PIA officials both in Pakistan and the UK have been alerted of the action taken.
The PIA crew, while speaking to the media earlier, said they have been told their confiscated passports will be returned to them tomorrow.
