Benoni man arrested in London for allegedly importing heroin
Scott Parker, a Benoni resident and Springs Boys High alumni, was arrested for smuggling R13 million worth of heroin into the United Kingdom last week. We spoke to his employer, Samantha Cary, who is convinced he is innocent and the he, or her company, are being set up.
Scott Parker was arrested at London Heathrow on the morning of 21 November. Parker, who has worked as a pet relocation consultant since 2008, was transporting three cats for clients of the company he works for.
After unloading the cats, Heathrow Animal Reception Centre staff noticed that the empty cages felt unusually heavy. Upon closer inspection, the cages were found to have a false bottoms, and a combined weight of 15 kg of heroin was discovered, which is said to have a street value of £750 000 (R13 million).
Upon discovering the narcotics, Britain’s National Crimes Agency arrested Parker, and the cats were safely returned to their rightful owners. Parker, who holds dual nationality (South African and British), has been charged with importing a ‘Class A’ drug into the UK. He later appeared in the Uxbridge Magistrates Court and was remanded in custody, without bail, until 4 December when he will appear before a judge at the Isleworth Crown Court. Parker currently lives in Benoni, Gauteng.
