Menu
18/12/2007
Customs Lose Seized Cocaine
'Contraband' that went missing from a secure lock-up after being seized by customs officers has now turned out to be cocaine.
Police were called in after 1.5kg (3.3lbs) of the drug went missing from a HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) depot near to Coventry airport.
Acting Chairman of HMRC David Hartnett told MPs he would be "very worried" if the drugs had been stolen.
However, Warwickshire Police have confirmed they were investigating the disappearance after Mr Hartnett admitted he did not know what had happened to the cocaine.
However, he said that he had not yet ruled out the possibility that it could have been sent to be destroyed, perhaps to a court for evidence or maybe even to a laboratory.
But, significantly, he really does not know where the drugs are at present.
Mr Hartnett, who was initially answering questions about the well-publicised loss by HMRC of millions of child benefit claimants' details, insisted that the loss of the drugs was a "complete one-off" and not evidence of any systemic failure.
He said: "I am very concerned about what has happened in Coventry.
"All I know is that an amount of cocaine - 1.5kg - is missing from the place it should be in a secure lock-up.
"What I don't know at the minute is whether this cocaine has been sent for destruction, or to a court or to a forensic science laboratory and the paperwork has not been done properly or it has been stolen.
"I am very worried if it is the latter."
HMRC has said that security has been stepped up and investigations are continuing into the disappearance.
(BMcC)
Police were called in after 1.5kg (3.3lbs) of the drug went missing from a HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) depot near to Coventry airport.
Acting Chairman of HMRC David Hartnett told MPs he would be "very worried" if the drugs had been stolen.
However, Warwickshire Police have confirmed they were investigating the disappearance after Mr Hartnett admitted he did not know what had happened to the cocaine.
However, he said that he had not yet ruled out the possibility that it could have been sent to be destroyed, perhaps to a court for evidence or maybe even to a laboratory.
But, significantly, he really does not know where the drugs are at present.
Mr Hartnett, who was initially answering questions about the well-publicised loss by HMRC of millions of child benefit claimants' details, insisted that the loss of the drugs was a "complete one-off" and not evidence of any systemic failure.
He said: "I am very concerned about what has happened in Coventry.
"All I know is that an amount of cocaine - 1.5kg - is missing from the place it should be in a secure lock-up.
"What I don't know at the minute is whether this cocaine has been sent for destruction, or to a court or to a forensic science laboratory and the paperwork has not been done properly or it has been stolen.
"I am very worried if it is the latter."
HMRC has said that security has been stepped up and investigations are continuing into the disappearance.
(BMcC)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
07 May 2009
Leeds Drug Dealer Jailed For Two Years
A Leeds drug dealer who was caught by neighbourhood policing officers with 66 'wraps' of heroin and crack cocaine has been jailed for two years. Brendan McGibbon, aged 26, of Chapel Lane, Headingley, admitted possession of Class A drugs with intent to supply at Leeds Crown Court yesterday.
Leeds Drug Dealer Jailed For Two Years
A Leeds drug dealer who was caught by neighbourhood policing officers with 66 'wraps' of heroin and crack cocaine has been jailed for two years. Brendan McGibbon, aged 26, of Chapel Lane, Headingley, admitted possession of Class A drugs with intent to supply at Leeds Crown Court yesterday.
02 October 2015
Man Jailed Over False Kidnap Claim
A man who claimed to have been kidnapped and demanded a ransom from his partner to secure his release has been jailed. Police were contacted by the distressed partner of Paresh Savji Devraj, who reported that he had been kidnapped and that he would be beaten and killed if she didn't pay £1,000.
Man Jailed Over False Kidnap Claim
A man who claimed to have been kidnapped and demanded a ransom from his partner to secure his release has been jailed. Police were contacted by the distressed partner of Paresh Savji Devraj, who reported that he had been kidnapped and that he would be beaten and killed if she didn't pay £1,000.
15 May 2015
New Test Developed To Detect Cocaine Use Through A Fingerprint
A new test has been developed that can detect cocaine use through a fingerprint, according to research published in the journal Analyst.
New Test Developed To Detect Cocaine Use Through A Fingerprint
A new test has been developed that can detect cocaine use through a fingerprint, according to research published in the journal Analyst.
03 July 2007
Doherty pleads guilty to drugs charges
Babyshambles frontman Pete Doherty had pleaded guilty to possession of drugs after arriving more than two hours late at a court appearance in London. An arrest warrant had been issued for the 28-year-old singer earlier on Tuesday after he failed to turn up at 9:30am for a hearing at West London Magistrates' Court.
Doherty pleads guilty to drugs charges
Babyshambles frontman Pete Doherty had pleaded guilty to possession of drugs after arriving more than two hours late at a court appearance in London. An arrest warrant had been issued for the 28-year-old singer earlier on Tuesday after he failed to turn up at 9:30am for a hearing at West London Magistrates' Court.
17 February 2009
Flight Crew Bailed Following £250k Drug Find
Customs officers have questioned 15 members of a South African Airways flight crew after £250,000 of cocaine was discovered on a plane. The employees were arrested after UK Border Agency officers found 5kg of the Class A substance when their flight from Johannesburg landed at Heathrow on Monday. The cocaine was discovered in luggage on the flight.
Flight Crew Bailed Following £250k Drug Find
Customs officers have questioned 15 members of a South African Airways flight crew after £250,000 of cocaine was discovered on a plane. The employees were arrested after UK Border Agency officers found 5kg of the Class A substance when their flight from Johannesburg landed at Heathrow on Monday. The cocaine was discovered in luggage on the flight.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:After a dry start this morning rain will spread from the northwest across all parts. This afternoon will be dull with some patchy rain and drizzle. Becoming much milder through the afternoon. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:A cloudy evening and night with a little light rain or drizzle, perhaps some clear periods developing along the east coast. A very mild night everywhere. Minimum temperature 10 °C.
