Six suspects were on Friday arraigned at the Birmingham Magistrates’ Court in the United Kingdom, following the seizure of over half a tonne of cannabis at Birmingham Airport, with a street value of around £13.8 million.

The defendants, 26-year-old Kyle Gribben, Zaeon Hunter, Lashan Walker; 25-year-old James Turner and Torian Robinson; and 22-year-old Devonte Newman, were, however, granted bail until their next appearance at Birmingham Crown Court on May 8.

Officials of the National Crime Agency, in collaboration with Bedfordshire Police, had in October 2024 nabbed the suspects in the Marsh Farm area of Luton and Finchley in North London.

The suspects allegedly attempted to import cannabis between June 1, 2024, and August 9, 2024, with the last incident leading to the arrest of 11 air passengers from various parts of the UK after they flew into the country from Thailand via Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport.

NCA Branch Commander Kevin Broadhead, in reaction, warned those importing drugs into the country, saying, “Anyone who tries to smuggle drugs into the UK should be aware of the serious consequences, which include a conviction and time behind bars.

“The NCA works closely with law enforcement partners, such as Border Force at home, and those overseas to attack high-risk routes, seize drug shipments and disrupt the organised crime groups involved, hitting their profits.”

Mr Broadhead, therefore, urged anyone who has information about drug smuggling through UK ports to report it by calling Border Force’s Customs Hotline on 0800 595 000.