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Travel Radar - Aviation News > News > Aviation > Airlines > £100k of Cocaine Found Onboard British Airways Plane
AirlinesAirportsAviationIncidents & Accidents

£100k of Cocaine Found Onboard British Airways Plane

Jenna Stevens
Last updated: 15 April 2025 22:53
By Jenna Stevens
3 Min Read
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A British Airways commercial jet on the grounds of Gatwick Airport.
This incident marks the second cocaine-related discovery in a matter of days © British Airways
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Cocaine valued at $131,000 (£100,000) has been discovered inside the lavatory of a British Airways operated jet, marking the second incident involving the Class A drug in a matter of days.

A BA Commercial aircraft on the runway at Gatwick Airport.
The drug was discovered by a service engineer during routine checks © British Airways

Service Engineer Makes a Major Discovery

On April 10, a stash of the Class A drug was found concealed in an aircraft lavatory.

The drug was discovered by a service engineer at London Gatwick Airport, as the aircraft was stationed in a hangar for routine maintenance.

The Boeing 777-200ER aircraft had arrived at London Gatwick Airport after operating a flight to Orlando International Airport, Florida (MCO).

An aircraft engineer discovered the drug behind a panel within the plane lavatory and alerted the police, and the stash was later valued at approximately £100,000. The incident is now being investigated by UK officials from the Border Force and the National Crime Agency.

Two passengers walk towards a sign labelled 'UK Border' within an airport.
UK Border Force are using improved technology and intelligence to prevent drug trafficking © dannyman

A Series of Drug-Related Incidents

The discovery marks the second drug-related incident on a British Airways-operated flight within a matter of days.

On April 8, just days prior to the discovery at Gatwick, British Airways Flight 2202 was delayed for over 24 hours, as the aircraft was searched for drugs by Mexican authorities.

The Boeing 777 was held at Cancun International Airport (CUN) as authorities raided the aircraft for suspected cocaine hidden within  luggage.

The authorities removed multiple packages from the aircraft, and the commercial flight was subsequently cancelled to allow for further investigation.

Huge Cartel Drug Bust 🇲🇽 BA2202 - Cancun to Gatwick - Bricks Found.
byu/Skyson770 inBritishAirways

The consecutive discoveries have sparked concerns regarding aviation security. The successive searches raise questions about the link between drug discoveries and transatlantic routes, particularly the screening protocols at both departure and arrival airports.

Although most UK travellers are happy with their security experience, inside operations involving airport and aircraft staff persist as a frequent method of drug trafficking.

The UK Border Force report that over 90 tonnes of illegal drugs have been seized this year so far, including 19 tonnes of cocaine. This marks a 92% increase in comparison to drugs seized in 2024.

Seema Malhotra MP, UK Minister for Migration and Citizenship, stated:

“We are determined to protect the public from illegal drugs, especially so-called party drugs like cocaine and ketamine, which pose a real threat to young people’s lives”.

As investigations continue to unfold, pressure is mounting on the aviation industry to strengthen security measures for ground operations serving commercial flights.

Do you think these incidents could be prevented? Share your thoughts below.

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Jenna Stevens
ByJenna Stevens
Aviation Reporter - Travel reporter who is passionate about making global exploration both accessible and sustainable. Jenna loves to write about aviation, sustainability and the future of travel.
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