Jail for 70-year-old Stansted Airport cocaine smuggler
A 70-YEAR-OLD Austrian football coach who tried to smuggle �120,000 worth of cocaine through Stansted Airport was today (Monday) sentenced to eight years in jail. Ipswich Crown Court heard that on December 19, Siegfried Milchberger was intercepted
A 70-YEAR-OLD Austrian football coach who tried to smuggle �120,000 worth of cocaine through Stansted Airport was today (Monday) sentenced to eight years in jail.
Ipswich Crown Court heard that on December 19, Siegfried Milchberger was intercepted at the Essex hub having arrived on a flight from Vienna via Hanover.
His 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 than normal and when lifted it was also heavier.
A package was discovered concealed between the struts of the trolley handle which was found to contain 3kg of cocaine which has a street value of around �120,000. A subsequent investigation by HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) led to Milchberger being charged with importing the Class A drug.
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Dave Gostelow, spokesman for HMRC, 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.
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"I would urge anyone with any information on any illegal activity to telephone our 24-hour confidential hotline on 0800 59 5000."
Milchberger was found guilty after a three day trial at Ipswich Crown Court. He was today sentenced to 8 years, 4 will be served in custody and 4 will be suspended.
