By Adam Evans
A suspected £200,000 worth of cocaine has been seized at Belfast City Airport.
It was found hidden in a suitcase which had been on board a flight from Brazil via London Heathrow yesterday.
47-year-old Valdire Medeiros Da Silva, a Brazilian man who had been living in Portadown has been charged with importing Class A Drugs.
He will appear before Belfast Magistrates Court on Boxing Day to also face accusations of possession and possession with intent to supply class A drugs.
John Oldham, Assistant Director, Border Force North, said: "This is just one example of the crucial work that Border Force officers do every day to help keep the UK safe. Detections of dangerous Class A drugs such as this are testament to their dedication and expertise.
"Illegal drugs have a significant impact on our society, being the root cause behind countless burglaries, thefts and robberies. They are also used as a commodity by organised criminals linked to violence and exploitation of the vulnerable.
"Working with our colleagues at the National Crime Agency (NCA) we are determined to do all we can to stop drug traffickers. Those convicted of drug importation offences face considerable prison sentences."
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