Children found with 33 pounds of cocaine

LONDON, March 13 (UPI) -- Authorities at London's Heathrow Airport found 33 pounds of cocaine strapped to the legs of two Mexican children during a routine security check.

Customs officers questioned a Mexican woman, who was stopped with the children and is thought to be the mother of the 11-year-old girl and 13-year-old boy, The Times of London reported Thursday.

The cocaine reportedly is believed to have an almost $1.4 million street value.

"To have drugs strapped to their legs is extremely unusual. For young children to be used in this way, it's a horrendous thing to do," Revenue & Customs spokesman Bob Gaiger said.

The woman and two children were apprehended Tuesday while walking through the airport after their British Airways flight from Mexico City landed.

A decision on how to charge the woman was expected Thursday and foster services for the children are being found as a "temporary measure," the Times reported.