Zaffar - 'no idea' man was alleged drug smuggler

A BIRMINGHAM councillor said he had 'no idea' a man he was twice pictured with in Pakistan was an alleged international drug smuggler wanted over trafficking heroin into the city.

- JAYNE HAYES News Reporter

Cllr Waseem Zaffar said he was shocked to learn Raja Arshad Billu was wanted for smuggling heroin through Birmingham Airport when he met him briefly during visits to Mirpur in Pakistani Kashmir.

When he did find out earlier this year that Billu was wanted by UK police, he said he immediately notified the authorities.

It is the second time a Birmingham Labour councillor has been asked to explain if they were aware of the fugitive status of alleged drug dealers on the run from British justice.

Fellow Labour councillor Saqib Khan, who represents Small Heath, was criticised last month after it emerged he had attended the wedding of his brother Fahan in Kashmir, who at the time was on bail for serious drugs offences in the UK.