A MAN who imported and dealt opium from his flat has been jailed, after he was caught trying to smuggle the drug into the UK in his underpants.

The National Crime Agency began investigating Adam Ibrahim, 43, after the French authorities seized a parcel addressed to him containing around a kilo of the drug hidden within cotton reels.

Ibrahim was was arrested as he arrived into Gatwick on a flight from Turkey.

Border Force officers searched Ibrahim and found a package containing around 250 grammes of opium concealed within his underpants. 

Investigators found more hidden under a carpet at his home in Willowfield Road, Eastbourne. 

Ibrahim was charged with possessing class A drugs with intent to supply and importation offences.

He pleaded guilty on Monday and was jailed for four and a half years.