A 67-year-old woman from Greater Manchester, Zahida Perveen of Aldermoor Close, Openshaw, has been charged with conspiracy to import Class A drugs after approximately 25 kilograms of heroin were discovered in her suitcase at Birmingham Airport. The seizure occurred on Friday 24 October 2025, shortly after her arrival from Pakistan, according to the National Crime Agency (NCA).
Border Force officers found the heroin concealed in her luggage during a search after her flight landed.
As part of the same investigation, Syed Shah, 39, from Hodge Hill, Birmingham a Border Force officer has also been charged with conspiracy to import Class A drugs and additionally with money laundering. He was arrested by the NCA on 24 October at Birmingham Airport.
A third individual, Shahid Butt, 52, of Saltley, Birmingham, has likewise been charged with conspiracy to import Class A drugs and money laundering.
According to the NCA statement, all three defendants appeared before Birmingham Magistrates’ Court on Monday morning.
The NCA said the charges reflect a joint investigation with Border Force into cross-border drug smuggling and associated financial crime.
Key facts at a glance
- Seizure: Around 25 kg of heroin discovered in the suitcase of Zahida Perveen at Birmingham Airport after arrival from Pakistan on 24 October.
- Charges: Conspiracy to import Class A drugs (all three). Money laundering charges also brought against Shah and Butt.
- Defendants: Zahida Perveen (67, Openshaw, Manchester); Syed Shah (39, Hodge Hill, Birmingham, Border Force officer); Shahid Butt (52, Saltley, Birmingham).
- Court appearance: All three appeared at Birmingham Magistrates’ Court on the Monday following their arrests.
