Eight suitcases of cannabis found at Manchester Airport

Eight suitcases containing 158kg of cannabis were discovered at the airport

Eight suitcases containing 278 packages of cannabis have been discovered by Border Force officers at an airport.

The haul, discovered on Wednesday, was said to be "one of the biggest cannabis seizures in recent years" for Manchester Airport and worth around £1m.

A 51-year-old man from Zaragoza in Spain, has been charged with importing class B drugs.

The National Crime Agency (NCA) said a number of the bags were checked-in in the names of his children, who were travelling with him.

The man is expected to appear before Stockport Magistrates on Friday.

He had arrived into the airport on Wednesday, having flown from Los Angeles in the US, via London Heathrow, the NCA said.

In total, more than 158kg (348lb) of cannabis was recovered, which would have had a street value of around £1m if sold in the UK.

NCA senior investigating officer Charles Lee said: “This is one of the biggest cannabis seizures we have seen at Manchester Airport in recent years.

"The drugs would have generated significant profits.

“NCA officers are determined to work with our partners at Border Force to stop drug smuggling and disrupt the criminal networks behind it.”