A 73-year-old Moston man denies smuggling two and a half kilos of cocaine into the country through Heathrow Airport.
Vincent Ruocco, of Birchenhall Street, pleaded not guilty when he appeared at Uxbridge Magistrates’ Court, London, on November 6.
The pensioner was stopped on November 5 after he arrived at Heathrow off a flight from Togo.
Border Force officers discovered a large stash of the Class A drug hidden in the lining of the Ruocco’s suitcase.
Border Force Heathrow director Marc Owen said: “This was an excellent seizure and I would like to pay tribute to the Border Force officers who play a crucial role in protecting the UK from illegal drugs every day.
“We work closely with law enforcement colleagues, including the NCA, to prevent drug trafficking and do all we can to put those responsible behind bars.”
Following the discovery the investigation and prosecution are being carried out by the National Crime Agency’s Border Policing Command.
Forensic tests will now be carried out to establish the purity and potential street value of the drugs.
He was remanded in custody and will appear at Isleworth Crown Court on November 20.
Anyone with information about activity they suspect may be linked to smuggling should call our hotline on 0800 595000.
Please note: Main image is for illustration purposes only and is not connected to any evidence from the alleged offence.
Image courtesy of Dulue Mbachu International Relations and Security Network, with thanks.
