Suspect named after £1m of cannabis hidden in children's suitcases

A suspect has been named after £1m worth of cannabis was smuggled through Manchester Airport.

Fernando Jacobo Mayans Fuster, from Zaragoza in Spain, arrived into the airport on Wednesday May 1, having flown from Los Angeles in the US, via London Heathrow. The 51-year-old was arrested after border force officers located 278 packages in eight separate bags.

The National Crime Agency said a number of the bags had been checked-in in the names of his children, who were travelling with him. In total more than 158 kilos of cannabis was recovered, which would have had a street value of around £1m if sold in the UK.

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After being interviewed by NCA investigators Mayans Fuster was charged with importing class B drugs. He is expected to appear before Stockport magistrates later today, Friday, May 3.

NCA senior investigating officer Charles Lee said: "This is one of the biggest cannabis seizures we have seen at Manchester Airport in recent years. The drugs would have generated significant profits. NCA officers are determined to work with our partners at Border Force to stop drug smuggling and disrupt the criminal networks behind it.”

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