Customs officers investigating an incident which led to the seizure of a large haul of heroin want to trace a drug project co-ordinator with close links to Bradford.

HM Revenue and Customs investigators are keen to speak to Mahfooz Ahmed, 29, as part of their inquiry into the seizure a year ago.

They want people to come forward with information about the whereabouts of Mr Ahmed, of Halifax, who is known to have strong connections to Bradford.

The inquiry centres on an incident which took place on Sunday, March 20, last year, in Hopwood Lane, Halifax.

It is understood that officers discovered nearly 30 kilos of heroin during part of a Revenue and Customs operation.

Following the operation a significant number of arrests were made last year and a number of people have been dealt with by the courts.

But Revenue and Customs are now renewing appeals to locate Mr Ahmed.

A spokesman said: "We are appealing for information on the whereabouts of 29-year-old Mahfooz Ahmed. He is believed to still be in the West Yorkshire or Lancashire area.

"We urge members of the public with information on his whereabouts to come forward. They can contact us directly on 0870 785 4100 during office hours, or can speak to one of our officers in complete confidence on the Customs Confidential helpline, 0800 595000, which is open 24 hours a day."

Mr Ahmed has connections across West Yorkshire, and particularly around Bradford and it is possible he could be in the area. It is also thought he may be using an alias.

He was regarded as a highly respected member of the community in Halifax and was the co-ordinator of a project in 2001 which examined the perceptions of the local Asian community on drugs misuse and its impact.

The drugs misuse needs assessment was carried out by the Asian Anti-Drugs Initiative among the Pakistani and Bangladeshi communities of West Central Halifax.

It was funded by the Department of Health and managed and supported by the Ethnicity and Health Unit.

The findings of the project, which involved a six-month-long community needs assessment of men and women of different ages, highlighted the predisposition of young people, especially men, to use and sell drugs. The report made recommendations to tackle the issues.

Mr Ahmed's role as project co-ordinator was his first paid job after graduating in accountancy and law the previous year. He had previously worked as a volunteer in the community.