NATIONAL Crime Squad detectives have smashed a major drug trafficking network linking Bromsgrove with Spain, Germany and Switzerland.

Five arrests were made as part of a major inquiry jointly run with H M Customs into the smuggling of various drugs from the continent into the UK.

More than £2 million worth of Class A and B drugs were seized, including a haul discovered at Luton Airport, where later a forensic examination was carried out by experts.

After a lengthy investigation by the Rugby branch of the Squad and Customs, officers swooped at addresses in Coventry, Bromsgrove and Pershore in the early hours of last Thursday.

They arrested a man, his wife and three other men. All were taken for questioning at police stations across the Midlands.

Nearly a tonne of cannabis hidden in huge industrial heaters had already been seized by Customs officers at the entrance to the Channel Tunnel in France as part of the operation.

Detective Inspector Steve Craddock, of the Squad's Rugby branch, said: "We believe we have dismantled what was a major international drugs importation network. The drugs seized today would no doubt have ended up on the streets of the Midlands over Christmas.

"This was part of a joint on-going operation with our colleagues in Customs and the arrests follow an extensive period of investigation and planning. We are also grateful for the help of West Mercia and West Midlands officers in the arrest phase."