Massive Cigarette Seizure from Passengers Arriving at Heathrow Airport
Over 125 million cigarettes were confiscated from travelers at Heathrow last year, highlighting ongoing smuggling issues.
Heathrow, UK, Cigarettes, Cannabis, Cocaine, Heroin, Border Force
London: Last year, Heathrow Airport saw a staggering 125 million cigarettes seized from passengers. That’s enough to fill about 6.2 million packs! All those smokes were destroyed, which is pretty wild.
But it wasn’t just cigarettes. Border Force also intercepted nearly 19.5 tons of cannabis and almost 1.3 tons of cocaine and heroin. Talk about a busy airport!
They turned away 3,733 out of 7,587 passengers checked upon arrival. Many were denied entry for not having the right visa. It’s a serious deal.
Plus, 2,177 people were flagged under modern slavery laws, raising concerns about potential abuse or trafficking. It’s heartbreaking to think about.
Some travelers even tried to lie about their status, leading to British universities revoking visas for foreign students. Not cool!
A source mentioned that these high numbers show just how alert the Border Force needs to be. If those banned got in, they might just vanish.
The figures came out in a memo praising the hard work of the Border Force team. They processed nearly 29 million passengers on almost 20,000 flights last year.
A Home Office spokesperson emphasized the crucial role Border Force plays in keeping the nation secure. It’s a tough job, but someone’s got to do it!