A Spanish man who tried to smuggle over half a million pounds worth of cocaine into Northern Ireland has been jailed for six years.
Carlos Gutierrez Lopez (46), wrapped over a kilo of the drug in carbon paper in an attempt to dodge x-ray detection in August 2008.
He was arrested by UK Border Agency (UKBA) officers at Belfast International Airport as he arrived on a flight from Amsterdam.
During routine questioning officers became suspicious of his reasons for travel, and a luggage search revealed the cocaine hidden in the lining of his suitcase.
John Whiting, assistant director of criminal investigation at Revenue and Customs said: “Mr Lopez has discovered the hard way that carbon paper doesn’t provide a cloak of invisibility from detection.
“However this case does demonstrate that together our continuing successes are forcing the smugglers into ever-more desperate, if unsuccessful, methods for concealment.
“Criminals dealing in illegal drugs are thinking solely of profit and show utter disregard for the damage drugs do to individuals and communities.”
Gutierrez appeared at Antrim Crown Court today on charges of being knowingly concerned in the fraudulent evasion of the prohibition of importing the drugs.
He was jailed for attempting to smuggle 1.3 kilos of cocaine.
Mr Whiting added: “HM Revenue and Customs continues to work with the police and other law enforcement agencies such as the UKBA to protect the public from the significant and damaging effect drugs have on our communities."
PA