into the Island has been jailed for six years.

William Benjamin Francis, 32, was stopped by customs officers at Bermuda International Airport last March having flown in from the US.

When searched, Customs officers discovered 326 grammes of the drug wrapped in carbon paper in a duffel bag that Francis was carrying.

The father of two pleaded guilty, but stressed that he had been asked to carry the bag for a friend and was unaware that it contained drugs, although he did have his suspicions.

Before being sentenced in court yesterday Francis told Puisne Judge Norma Wade Miller: "At the time I came into the airport I had never seen the cocaine that I had in the bag -- I found out afterwards.

"I really didn't know there was anything in there, although I had a feeling.

I was doing it for someone else.

"It was a one-off and I have never done anything like it before. I should not have done it and the only reason I did was because of financial difficulties.

It was stupid and I apologise to everyone and the court.'' But Puisne Judge Wade Miller replied: "You knew what you were involving yourself in and, at the very least, you turned a blind eye.

"In order to tackle this scourge in the community drug traffickers must be given a custodial sentence.'' As he was led to an awaiting prison van to transport him to Westgate Francis was hugged by his mother, who now has custody of his two young children after their mother was deemed unfit to look after them.