A Bradford man has been arrested as part of a police investigation into allegations of the importation of millions of pounds-worth of heroin by an organised crime gang.

The 42-year-old man, of Park Road, Little Horton, was one of six suspected members of an organised crime group, alleged to be responsible for trafficking large quantities of heroin into the UK and other European countries, who were arrested in dawn raids by the newly-formed National Crime Agency yesterday.

The raids took place at 7am at locations across the Midlands and in Bradford. All six were arrested on suspicion of being involved in the importation of heroin.

More than 95 kilos of heroin – valued at about £9.5 million – have been seized so far as a result of the NCA-led investigation, which has been supported by West Midlands Police, the Spanish Guardia Civil and other international law enforcement agencies.

The heroin found was concealed within suitcases with false bottoms, books and specially- adapted clothing. It is believed the crime group used couriers to import the heroin on flights from Pakistan.

It is understood none of the heroin was found in Bradford.

It is thought to be the first arrest made in Bradford since the NCA replaced the Serious Organised Crime Agency earlier this month.

A spokesman said all those arrested were “significant individuals”.

Richard Warner, of the NCA, said: “These arrests are a major success for the NCA and its partners. Tackling the supply of drugs on a global level is a priority for the agency.

“We believe this organised crime group is responsible for importing large quantities of heroin – bringing misery, harm and violence to communities in Birmingham and other cities.

“The NCA’s national remit and effective partnerships, which cross national and international boundaries, mean we have the capability to pursue criminals wherever they are in the world.”

Those arrested are currently being interviewed at police stations in Birmingham and the investigation continues.

Those arrested included four men, aged between 32 and 52 and a 37-year-old woman, all from the West Midlands.