Bodybuilding steroids worth pounds 67,000 seized.

A DRUG courier was caught smuggling bodybuilding steroids with an estimated street value of up to pounds 67,000 through Newcastle Airport.

Travel agent Rajput Kaleem Uddin, 38, was intercepted by customs officials after arriving on Tyneside from Karachi in Pakistan via Dubai.

More than 7,000 ampoules of testosterone weighing 18.7kg were found in the only suitcase he had with him, Newcastle Crown Court heard.

Inquiries revealed the Pakistani national's ticket had been bought five days before the flight and paid for in cash, the court was told yesterday.

He told police he was bringing the bag into the country for a friend in Karachi.

"He said that man had given him the bag at Karachi Airport and told him there would be no problem," said Michael Graham, prosecuting. "He said he only knew the man to say hello to.

"He claims he was not the organiser and the prosecution have no evidence to contradict that statement."

Uddin, of previous good character, was jailed for 18 months after admitting being knowingly concerned in the illegal importation of a Class C drug.

Brian Mark, defending, said Uddin was anxious to return to Pakistan as soon as possible to provide for his pregnant wife and his mother-in-law who was unwell.