Crack raid on billionaire's Chelsea home

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Hans Kristian Rausing, 44, was detained at his Chelsea home after his American-born wife Eva, also 44, was allegedly caught trying to smuggle small "wraps" of drugs into a function at the US embassy in Grosvenor Square.

Mrs Rausing said today: "I have made a serious mistake which I very much regret. I intend to leave as soon as possible to seek the help that I very much needed."

Mrs Rausing was arrested at the embassy in Mayfair just after 4pm on Tuesday after being challenged by security guards.

Police were called and she was taken to Charing Cross police station for questioning.

Officers then raided the Rausings' £5 million home and allegedly found £2,000 worth of drugs.

Her husband, a former hippy and Britain's sixth richest man, was at home and was also arrested. The couple were forced to give DNA samples, as well as have their photographs and fingerprints taken.

A police source said: "The beat officers were stunned when they turned up at the embassy and the woman gave her name. Crack is something you normally associate with Brixton - not rich types."

Today, wearing sunglasses and looking bedraggled, Mrs Rausing said: "I have made a grave error and I consider myself to have taken a wrong turn in the course of my life. I am very sorry for the upset I have caused. I thank my family and friends for the kindness and undertanding that they have shown me."

Mr Rausing's father, also called Hans, is a Swedish industrialist and tax exile. The couple have four children.

A Scotland Yard spokesman said: "Officers arrested a 44-year-old woman in Mayfair on suspicion of possessing Class A drugs. A search was then conducted at an address in Chelsea and a 44-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of possessing Class A drugs. They were taken to a central London police station and later bailed to return in July, pending further enquiries."