Meanwhile, there are reports that the action was taken on a tipoff from Pakistan. Reacting to it, the UK border agency officials made a security search on a PIA flight PK-785 when it landed at Heathrow Airport at 1745 hours on May 15, 2017. They reportedly recovered heroin, which led to detention of some 13 crew members for at least five hours for further investigation.
Mashhood Tajwar, PIA spokesman, categorically denied to have received any written or verbal information from the agency, saying that the national flag carrier - PIA has not been informed either verbally or in writing by any security agency for any narcotics/ drugs on board PIA aircraft flight PK-785 during search at Heathrow airport. He further said that PIA officials deputed in London were in contact with the authorities, inquiring to ascertain the cause and /or reason of the security search and temporary detention of cabin crew.
Replying to a question, he confirmed that PIA flight PK 785 for the sector Islamabad - London of Monday, May 15, 2017 landed at Heathrow Airport at 1745 hours and was thoroughly checked by UK Border Agency. He said that the crew of the said flight was detained for two hours for questioning at Heathrow Airport and was later released.
PIA spokesman said that no crew member was presently in detention and the return flight of the same day operated by same aircraft, flight PK 758, for the sector London -Lahore arrived with a delay of two hours, which was operated by a fresh set of crew as per routine. He said the crew members, who went through security check, had their passports in possession and they would operate their regular scheduled flight to Pakistan from London on May 17, 2017 (today). Furthermore, he said that all PIA flights to London were operating as per schedule.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2017