THREE smugglers caught trying to import one and a half tonnes of cannabis have been jailed for a total of 27 years.

The men’s yacht was intercepted by a Border Force cutter ten miles south of Newhaven as they tried to smuggle one and half tonnes of the drug into the UK.

German nationals Hermann Josef Deuss, 63, and Willi Heinz Reichling, 57, along with Austrian national Walter Untermayer, 64, were on board.

Officers discovered a secret compartment running the length of the yacht with concealed access hidden behind a mirror.

The yacht, named the Mellon, was escorted into Newhaven and a full forensic search took place.

Officers recovered 69 hessian wrapped bales of cannabis resin from the boat with an estimated street value of around £4.5 million.

Around 7,000 euros in cash was also seized and the men were arrested.

The trio were charged with importing a class B drug and entered guilty pleas at Hove Crown Court on 13 August.

On Friday they were each sentenced to nine years in prison.

Tim Fleming, from the National Crime Agency’s Border Policing Command, said:“This was a massive haul of cannabis and an excellent interception by our Border Force colleagues.

“While the destination for the shipment was elsewhere I have no doubt that a good proportion of these drugs would have ended up back on the UK streets.

“Our investigations are continuing with a number of international partners.

“Cases like this demonstrate how we continue to have a significant impact on organised crime groups involved in this kind of smuggling.”

Deuss, Reichling and Untermayer originally claimed to have sailed from Spain and were planning to travel back to Bremen in Germany.

Carole Upshall, Border Force regional director, said:“The message this case sends out couldn’t be clearer. No matter what route criminals take to try and breach our border controls, we have the capability to stop them.

“Our fleet of cutters operates 24 hours a day, responding to intelligence and patrolling the length and breadth of the UK.

“The cutters play a key role in intercepting and deterring shipments of drugs and other prohibited goods, as well as criminal gangs who attempt to smuggle people into the country.

"Working with law enforcement colleagues including the NCA we are determined to do all we can to prevent drug smuggling and put those responsible behind bars.”