Men swallowed 200 packets of cocaine in bid to fool customs

Friday, 12 June 2009

Two men swallowed 200 packages of cocaine in a bid to give border agency officers the slip at Belfast International Airport, a court has heard.

The pair, both Polish, thought they were smuggling cannabis after arriving on a flight from Amsterdam last August. But after they were taken to hospital for examination it was discovered the drugs were in fact small packages of cocaine, worth an estimated £500,000, Antrim Crown Court heard.

Adam Ruczaj (28) and Tomasz Ciulwik (29), were jailed for 10 years and four months for trying to smuggle a kilo of cocaine each.

John Whiting, Assistant Director, Criminal Investigation, HM Revenue and Customs said the detention of the two men by UK Border Agency officers should be a warning to all criminals.

After the sentences were passed he said: “These men say they thought they were smuggling cannabis, but drug trafficking is a dangerous and murky business.

“Violence and corruption follows the illegal drugs trade, regardless of the type or quantities involved. Criminals dealing in illegal drugs are thinking solely of profit and show disregard for the damage drugs do to individuals.”

NiteLife: White's Tavern

Had a big night out? Click here to send your pics

In Pictures: Lingerie Super Bowl 2012

In Pictures: Lingerie Super Bowl 2012

Women: Can you flaunt too much?

Women: Can you flaunt too much?

Old School Pictures: Ian Paisley

Old School Pics: Girls Aloud Nadine Coyle

To launch gallery click image or select school below

Methodist College, Campbell College, Grosvenor,
Bangor Grammar, Dunlambert, St Augustine's,
St Dominic's, Royal Academy, Ballymena Academy

Teletoons by Stevie Lee

Teletoons by Stevie Lee

Follow us on Twitter

In Pictures: The Troubles

Titanic Gallery: First class bedroom

Titanic Gallery: exclusive collection

Out & About: Pizza Night

Out & About: Pizza Night

Columnist Comments

gail_walker

Gritty, moving and heroic...Billy plays captured life here

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times ... Sunday's 30th anniversary screening of the seminal Too Late to Talk to Billy was riveting viewing. But it wasn't nostalgic viewing.
ed_curran

Parties need better defence in Stormont's game of two halves

Surprise, surprise. Peter Robinson has been to his first gaelic match, Martin McGuinness is heading for Windsor Park and the Ulster Unionists have scored another own goal.
nuala_mckeever

Why trying to go on a diet is never really a piece of cake

Some people make New Year’s resolutions, I make lists. Every new year I determine to keep track of everything I spend and everything I eat and drink.

frances_burscough

Scary movie? Their jaws were sore from laughing

Teenage boys love horror films and I have two who are in charge of the remote control in our house, so naturally there’s gore-a-plenty on the box most weekends. However, until recently one film was banned.

Just Born: Readers' Baby Pictures

Just Born: Readers' Baby Pictures

To send Us Your Baby snaps just Click here

Just Wed: Readers' Wedding Pictures

Just Born: Readers' Wedding Pictures

To send Us Your Wedding snaps just Click here

Latest Comments

Belfast Telegraph Home Delivery