£1m airport drug courier jailed

The court heard the cocaine would have caused "misery"

A Nigerian caught smuggling cocaine worth more than £1m into Scotland has been jailed for six years.

Egbuta Ibe, 36, had the drugs in the lining of his suitcase when he was caught at Aberdeen Airport.

He had travelled from Lagos in Nigeria before he was caught in March, after being offered £3,000 for the job.

Ibe admitted being involved in cocaine supply when he appeared at Aberdeen High Court, which heard the drugs would have brought "misery" to Scotland.

'Shown remorse'

The court was told the father-of-two, who is due to become a father again in October, was "desperate" for the money to support his family - so made a "serious error of judgement".

Passing sentence, Lord Menzies told Ibe: "I take into account that you have recognised your guilt in respect of this matter and have shown remorse by tendering a plea at the earliest stage.

"I also take account of your role in this matter as being a drug courier and not a drug baron.

"However, it can't be ignored that you are guilty of importing to this country a significant quantity and value of cocaine which is a Class A drug."

Lord Menzies said: "These drugs would have brought misery to many people and the courts have made it clear on numerous occasions that those who involve themselves in the trade of Class A illicit drugs must expect a lengthy custodial sentence."