JOHANNESBURG - South African Airways says that the 15 crew members detained by British customs officials at Heathrow Airport on Tuesday have been released without charge.

The crew, including three pilots and twelve cabin crew members were arrested after 50 kilos of cannabis (dagga) and 4 kilos of cocaine were discovered in three items of baggage from the flight. Customs officials estimated the street value of the haul at £310,000 (R4,4m.)

SAA spokeswoman, Robyn Chalmers, said that "SAA has ensured that the crew members have legal representation, and airline officials in the UK have assisted the crew where possible."

"SAA is co-operating fully with UK authorities. The airline has also launched an investigation into this matter involving SAA Aviation Security and the SAPS Crime Intelligence Unit. SAA has a zero tolerance approach towards the use of the airline's services for any criminal activity", she said in a statement.

A spokesman for Her Majesty's Customs says that the crew were released on unconditional bail and are due to report back at Heathrow Police Station on 23 March.

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