TWO Newport men smuggled more than half a million cigarettes into the country inside a consignment of cane furniture from the Philippines.

Ian Malcolm Greaves, aged 60, of Bideford Road, and Paul William Roberts - also known as Jeffrey William Fisher - aged 60, of Western Avenue, both pleaded guilty to evasion of duty. They were each jailed for seven months.

Prosecuting, Michael Mather-Lees told Newport crown court the total duty and VAT evaded on the 540,000 cigarettes amounted to £105,344.87.

Mr Mather-Lees said the consignment arrived at Southampton on a ship on March 23 this year and was searched by Customs officers, who found the cigarettes.

Documents showed the furniture was bound for the cane workshop in Market Arcade, Newport, the court was told.

Mr Mather-Lees said Greaves had been instrumental in organising the shipment, while Roberts had financed it.

Both defendants, he said, made full and frank admissions when they were arrested the following day.

Mr Mather-Lees said both defendants had been caught in 2002 bringing large amounts of tobacco and alcohol into the country, but no action was taken.

David Aubrey, QC, defending Roberts, said Greaves had contacts in the Philippines and decided to import the cane furniture to sell as a set.

He said Roberts initially provided the money to pay for the furniture, and later the pair agreed to import the cigarettes

Mr Aubrey said that Roberts was described as a "rough diamond" and was thought of highly by people he had taken in off the streets.

He said that the prison sentence would be devastating as a tumour that he had had removed from his neck had now returned.

Sharon Bahia, defending Greaves, said: "This was initially a legitimate business. He had family in the Philippines and saw it as an opportunity to see them. At the same time he could make a quick buck."

Both men were ordered to pay confiscation costs based on their assets. Greaves must pay £848.75, and Roberts £352.86.