Cocaine worth £5 million found at Yorkshire airfield

The 34 kilogrammes of class A drugs were discovered by officials from the UK’s Border Force aboard the Cessna N55EU at Breighton Aerodrome near Selby on Monday.

The pilot, Andrew Wright, 51, of Barlow, North Yorkshire was arrested and taken for questioning by officers from the National Crime Agency (NCA).

He appeared before Leeds Magistrates’ Court today and was remanded in custody until his next appearance at Leeds Crown Court on December 3.

Border Force officials today released images of the drugs stash in the suitcase where it was found on the Cessna.

Breighton Airfield, a former Second World War heavy bomber base and cold-war nuclear missile launch site, is now home to the classic aircraft collection of the Real Aeroplane Company and flying club the Real Aeroplane Club.

Mark Robinson, Assistant Director for Border Force, said: “This was an excellent seizure and demonstrates how Border Force officers play a crucial role in protecting the UK from illegal drugs and other contraband.

“By stopping this smuggling attempt we have prevented a sizeable amount of cocaine making it onto the streets.

“Working with law enforcement colleagues including the NCA we are determined to do all we can to prevent drug trafficking and put those responsible behind bars.”

Mick Maloney, from the NCA’s Border Policing Command, said: “This was a significant seizure and we estimate that once cut the drugs would have had a UK street value of in excess £5 million. Our investigation into those involved continues.

“I would encourage anyone who has information about unusual use of aircraft or activity in and around small airfields like Breighton to report it, no matter how trivial it may seem.”

Earlier this year Border Force, the NCA and UK police forces launched Project Pegasus, a campaign encouraging people living and working close to small airports to report unusual activity.

They were told to look out for activity on aircraft such as microlights, helicopters, and business jets, and activities such as aerial surveys, deliveries, corporate flights and leisure flying.

Anyone with information about unusual activity can report it to their local police force on 101 or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.