A LORRY driver is facing almost a decade behind bars after attempting to smuggle £1.7m worth of drugs into the UK.

Romanian national Ghiorghita Hapau was caught transporting 21kgs of cocaine in a sealed packed by Border Force officers.

The 42-year-old had been travelling from Le Havre in France to Portsmouth in April when the officers searching his lorry found that the lining of his cab unit was loose.

His vehicle was reportedly transporting sheet metal from Italy however Hapau admitted drugs smuggling and was jailed at Portsmouth Crown Court.

National Crime Agency officer Julian Harriman, said:

“We were suspicious of this vehicle before it entered the UK and we were able to intercept it before it was able to bring a controlled substance into the UK drug market.

“The NCA working with partners will be relentless in pursuing persons who are intent on causing damage and harm to our communities.

“We continue to operate in this way, co-ordinating intelligence-led activity to disrupt serious and organised crime.”

Deputy director of Border Force South Dean Oughton said: “This large detection of Class A drugs is an excellent example of both the vigilance of Border Force officers and close links with the NCA.

“Sharing intelligence between law enforcement partners is crucial in the fight to secure our borders against all types of smuggling.

“We will continue this vital co-operation to ensure that anyone caught with illegal drugs faces prosecution.”