A MAN who signed for a parcel containing a kilo of cocaine didn't realise the postman was in fact an undercover police officer.

Mirian Serea, 24, of Westleigh Gardens, Edgware, was sentenced to 10 years in jail on Friday for importing class A drugs after being found guilty at Harrow Crown Court.

The jury heard how police intercepted the suspect package with the Romanian's name and address on after it arrived at a Royal Mail sorting office from Costa Rica.

On April 10 at 12.40pm an undercover officer dressed as a postman and driving a Royal Mail van delivered the package to the man at his home.

Serea presented his passport to prove his identity and the policeman recorded its number.

Three minutes later officers raided the house and found the package unopened on Serea's bed.

He was handcuffed and taken to Harrow police station where he was interviewed but answered 'no comment' to every question.

During the trial the undercover police officer spoke to the jury behind a screen under a new law which protects the identity of vulnerable witnesses.

He said: "He was pretty emotionless.

"He didn't look nervous but he didn't look confident.

"He just wanted to get the package and get the job done.

"It was very clear he didn't understand what I was saying.

"He just showed me the passport and wanted the package."

But Suzanne Frances, defending, said: "He wasn't sweating or looking nervous because he wasn't aware of what he was signing for.

"There was nothing about signing for a parcel which was unusual.

"The fact he showed a passport is not enough evidence to prove that he was importing drugs.

"The only piece of evidence is that there was a 'no comment' interview, but he is a foreign national."

But Simon Clarke, prosecuting, said: "A person found in possession of drugs has a lot to answer for.

"How did his name and address get on a parcel from Costa Rica containing £48,000 of cocaine?"

Acting detective sergeant Figo Forouzan was pleased with the conviction.

Speaking after the case, he said: "This just proves that if you are caught with a large quantity of drugs you will be found out and made to pay the price.

"You will end up behind bars for a very long time."