A 43-YEAR-OLD Belgian man has been jailed for more than a decade after being found guilty of attempting to smuggle seven kilos of pure cocaine into the UK through Essex.

A 43-YEAR-OLD Belgian man has been jailed for more than a decade after being found guilty of attempting to smuggle seven kilos of pure cocaine into the UK through Essex.

Yves Raoul Van Israel, an unemployed builder, was detained by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) officers at Stansted airport on April 30 when he arrived there on an evening flight from Lyons in France.

When his bag was searched, officers found a false bottom in his suitcase, which concealed hidden packages.

When these were tested and found to contain cocaine, Israel was arrested and charged with importing a controlled drug.

The cocaine had an estimated street value of £859,950.

Israel, whose address was given as 121, Leuveselaan, Tinnen, Belgium, was sentenced to 11 years imprisonment.

HMRC acting chief investigation officer at Ipswich, John Phillips said: “Revenue and Customs is working at the forefront of the fight to stop drugs entering the UK and to reduce the associated harm to our communities.

“We aim to protect society from this activity wherever we detect it.

“The sentence handed down by the court should act as a deterrent to those involved in drug trafficking and clearly shows that crime doesn't pay.

“Smugglers face criminal prosecution followed by the removal of any financial benefits.

“If you know of any suspicious activities which may be linked to drug smuggling, call our 24-hour hotline on 0800 59 5000.”