A 70-YEAR-old football coach caught smuggling cocaine worth �120,000 through Stansted airport has been jailed for eight years.

A 70-YEAR-old football coach caught smuggling cocaine worth �120,000 through Stansted Airport has been jailed for eight years.

Siegfried Milchberger attempted to smuggle in the drugs in his luggage, Ipswich Crown Court heard.

The Austrian national was intercepted at Stansted on December 19 last year after arriving on a flight from Vienna via Hanover.

Milchberger's luggage was examined by officers from the UK Border Agency (UKBA) and when one of the bags was emptied, the base of the bag appeared thicker that normal. It was also heavier than would have been expected.

A package was discovered concealed between the struts of the trolley handle. It was found to contain 3kg of cocaine which has a street value of around �120,000.

A subsequent investigation by customs officers led to Milchberger, who was living in Kenya at the time, being charged with importing the Class A drug.

Dave Gostelow, spokesman for HM Revenue and Customs, said: “This is a good result which has kept a large amount of drugs off the streets of UK towns and cities.

“This case demonstrates the determination and professionalism of HMRC Officers and our colleagues in UKBA in combating drug smugglers, smashing the criminal supply routes and destroying the drugs that spread so much criminality and misery through our communities.

“I would urge anyone with any information on any illegal activity to telephone our 24 hour confidential hot line on 0800 59 5000."

Milchberger, who will be 71 next month, was convicted after a three day trial at Ipswich Crown Court.