A drug mule who imported 800 grams of cocaine in 80 capsules in his stomach has been jailed for nine years and fined €23,000 after admitting to the charges.

Richard Oberght, 37, who was born in the Dominican Republic but lives in Spain, arrived with his girlfriend Albania Batista, who had no knowledge of the drugs, on November 19, 2009.

In fact, she was released by the police without charge and testified in the case before the Magistrates Court.

She said the pair had come to Malta on holiday to sort out a rough patch in their relationship.

They flew in from Brussels but were later arrested at the Preluna Hotel in Sliema, where they were staying.

Ms Batista denied knowledge of the drugs and said she was angry with Mr Oberght when the police told her they had found the capsules. She returned home after testifying.

Further investigations revealed that Mr Oberght had made a deal with a man named Moreno, who promised to pay him €4,000 for smuggling the drugs, which were worth €56,000.

Mr Justice Lawrence Quintano handed down sentence after taking into consideration a plea bargain agreement with the Attorney General and defence counsel.