Bag handlers accused of link to drug smuggling

Corrupt Heathrow airport baggage handlers were part of a multimillionpound drug plot to smuggle more than 220lb of cocaine into the country, a court has been told.

Gurmit Singh, 55, and Mohammad Ali, 41, are accused of intercepting suitcases containing the drug while working in Terminal 5. They allegedly diverted the bags, which came from Brazil, into domestic arrivals, where there is less security and they could be collected by couriers.

The pair are on trial at Southwark Crown Court along with five codefendants. They all deny conspiracy to import cocaine into the UK.

The hearing continues.