ALL but one of the 15 South African Airways crew members accused of smuggling of a 50kg consignment of dagga and cocaine to the UK in January have been cleared — for now.

British authorities yesterday told The Times that they would not take further action against 14 crew members and that they will not have to return to London to answer to authorities on their alleged involvement in the drug smuggling.

UK Revenue and Customs spokeswoman Georgina Myles said: “I can confirm that Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs will not be taking further action against 14 of the crew members. The bail date has been extended for one remaining crew member, as investigations are ongoing.”

Myles refused to divulge why all 15 crew members had not been cleared, but warned that the investigation could necessitate the re-arrest of those cleared.

“The investigation is ongoing — we can’t rule out the possibility that charges could be brought against the crew members in the future,” she said.

The 15 crew members were arrested at Heathrow Airport when authorities allegedly found cocaine in a crew member’s vanity case.

The Times