Two Men Charged After £2M Cocaine Seizure at North Weald Airfield

Two men have been charged with the importation of 30 kilograms of cocaine after the drug was seized from a plane at North Weald airfield in Essex. The suspects, Errol Weir, 49, from Lewisham, and Anastasios Balian, 52, from Cheshunt, were arrested by Border Force officers on March 20, following the plane's arrival from northern France. The cocaine, valued at over £2 million, was found hidden beneath a seat on the aircraft. NCA officials emphasized the significance of this seizure in disrupting criminal networks and protecting public safety, calling for community vigilance. Both men are expected to appear before Chelmsford Magistrates' Court. The Home Office reiterated its commitment to working closely with law enforcement to tackle drug trafficking.