A MAN, who used his Kent-based business known as A1 Top Banana as a cover for a multi-million pound drug smuggling operation, has been jailed for 10 years.

The second-hand car showroom in Island Road, Westbere - run by Robert Colyer - had been used as headquarters to discuss a plot to import "skunk" cannabis in May 2005.

The drugs were smuggled through Dover on an Italian lorry on pallets disguised as Mercedes Benz car parts.

Wayne McNally, 36, of Ryde Close, Chatham had admitted conspiring to bring in drugs and was jailed for five years.

The organiser, Colyer, 38, of Canterbury Road, Birchington, who went on the run before his trial, was found guilty in his absence at Canterbury Crown Court. He was jailed for 10 years and a warrant has been issued for his arrest.

Judge Nigel van der Bijl said it was a sophisticated operation to import cannabis and deterrent sentences were necessary.

Prosecutor Martin Griffith said: "The business premises known as A1 Top Banana was run as the drugs distribution centre. Colyer, who ran the business, was the main organiser."

A third man Paul Hanson, 23, Birchwood Walk, Canterbury, was acquitted by a jury of conspiracy.