Two Nigerian men have been sentenced to a total of 12 years jail after admitting to importing 500 grammmes of cocaine from Guyana into the United Kingdom in paintings.
According to a BBC report, 23-year-old Stanley Chimezie and 29-year-old Francis Obasi were arrested last July as part of a Cumbria police operation. Chimezie, of Hawes Street, Carlisle was jailed for five years, three months and Obasi, of Abbeyford, London was jailed for six years, nine months when they appeared at the Carlisle Crown Court on Thursday.
The Court was told that the duo attempted to import cocaine, with a street value estimated at 39,000 pounds sterling, by hiding it in the back of a number of paintings. Officers intercepted the paintings as they were delivered to an address in Chatsworth Square, Carlisle.
After Thursday’s hearing, Det Ch Insp Paul Duhig said, “Today marks the culmination of a thorough investigation by Cumbria Police. It illustrates how serious and organised crime will not be tolerated and how those responsible will be actively targeted and brought to justice.”
