Nigerian jailed for cocaine smuggling

Chukwuenmeka John, 37, arrived on a flight from Amsterdam on November 18 last year and when his extendable rucksack was x-rayed it showed organic matter in the lining.

Paul Mitchell, prosecuting, told Leeds Crown Court yesterday a spike inserted into it then tested positive for cocaine and a package was found inside the lining containing one and a half kilogrammes of white powder.

When that was analysed it was shown to contain 1.23 kilogrammes of pure cocaine which could have sold in diluted deals on the streets for up to £180,000.

Customs officers also seized £2,000 in cash, his payment for acting as a courier on the trip from Lagos.

John admitted being concerned in the importation of the class A drug.

Recorder Ian Harris told him: “Without people like you doing deliveries across borders the drugs trade would be severely disabled.”

Warner Falk, representing John, said he had a business in Nigeria trading electrical goods but had got into financial difficulties after borrowing money to buy stock which did not then sell.

He was given time to pay but could not do it and after receiving threats to his family agreed to act as a courier for £2,000 and a reduction in his debt.

He deeply regretted what he had done, particularly being separated from his wife who was expecting their third child.