Children’s books used to smuggle thousands of pounds worth of heroin has been seized at Heathrow Airport.

A stash of the class A drugs worth more than £40,000 were found hidden inside the covers of young children’s books - My First 100 Machines and My First 100 Numbers.

Border Force officers detected the 400g drugs haul in a freight package from Nairobi en route to Ontario, Canada, last month.

Phil Douglas, Border Force Heathrow Director, said: “Border Force officers are the front line in the fight against smuggling and play a crucial role in protecting the UK from illegal drugs and other contraband.

“As this case shows, however traffickers attempt to conceal drugs our officers will find them.

Children's books used to stash heroin packages uncovered in freight shipment by Border Force officers at Heathrow

“The trade in illegal drugs is big business and the criminals who engage in this activity are always looking to find new ways to evade detection.

“It is our job to stay one step ahead of them and to put a stop to this terrible trade that has such a destructive impact on the lives of so many.”

Anyone with information about activity they suspect may be linked to smuggling should call the hotline on 0800 59 5000.