AN AMMANFORD man has appeared in court charged with trying to smuggle £100,000 worth of cocaine through Gatwick airport.

Robert Morris, 27, was arrested on September 7 after officers found two kilograms of the drug in a suitcase at the airport's north terminal.

No formal plea was entered when Morris, of Myddynfych, Tirydail, appeared before Croydon Magistrates Court on Thursday, September 8, however he denies that he knew the cocaine was in the luggage he brought back with him.

The father-of-one had been on his way back from a trip to Tabago.

Morris faces one charge of trying to import a prohibited substance, contrary to section 170 of the Customs and Excise Management Act 1979 and the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971.

District Judge Karen Hammond denied an application for Morris to be released on bail, on the grounds that if convicted he could face a substantial jail term.

Mrs Hammond also denied jurisdiction in the case, because her sentencing powers at the magistrates' court would not be sufficient if Morris was found guilty.

Morris was remanded in custody and will next appear for a hearing at Croydon Crown Court on October 13.