Narcotics hidden in National Archives

The National Archives may not be the most obvious place to discover heroin, but an 80-year-old file has bucked the trend.

Several sachets of the narcotic were found in a sealed pouch inside a Foreign Office file dating from 1928.

The file, which originated from the British Consulate in Cairo, held details of a criminal assault court case involving the possession of narcotics.

Jeff James, director of operations and services at the National Archives, commented: "[While] it highlights the diversity of our collection and its relevance to our nation’s history, this discovery also hints to more mysteries and untold tales yet to be uncovered, hidden deep within the archives."

Above all, the discovery highlights how no case is forgotten and offers a legal history lesson - possession was still a crime in the 20's.

Although heroin was still legal in the UK in the 1950s for medicinal purposes, the British government has throughout history made attempts to crack down on narcotics.

Legal advice is vital for those unsure about UK drug laws.

Published by Tessa Jones