Second South African Airways crew arrested over drugs

LONDON (Reuters) - British customs officers, for the second time in four weeks, have arrested another crew of a South African Airways (SAA) plane after cocaine was found in baggage at London's Heathrow airport, officials said on Monday.

The 15 strong-crew, including flight and cabin staff, were being questioned after arriving on a flight from Johannesburg, a spokesman for Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs (HMRC) said in a statement.

About five kg (11 lbs) of cocaine, with an estimated street value of 250,000 pounds, were seized by the UK Border Agency (UKBA), it said.

Last month, the crew of another South African Airways flight was arrested at Heathrow after cannabis and cocaine were found in baggage.

They were bailed until March 23 after officers seized 50 kg (110 lbs) of cannabis, worth 150,000 pounds, and four kg of cocaine with an estimated value of 160,000 pounds in three pieces of luggage.

"Crew members are subject to the same customs checks as any other person when entering the UK," said Bob Gaiger, HMRC Heathrow spokesman.

South African Airways, owned by the South African government, could not immediately be reached for comment.

(Reporting by Avril Ormsby; Editing by Katie Nguyen)

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