Turkish drug couriers are being duped to bring drugs into Malta by being told that they will merely be deported if they get caught, The Sunday Times has learnt.

Seven Turkish nationals are currently in prison - five serving lengthy terms - after being found guilty of importing drugs, mostly heroin and cocaine. Four of the couriers were arrested this year.

Sources close to prison said some of these couriers were promised payments ranging between $1,000 (Lm330) and $3,000 (Lm1,000). They were lured by the prospect of earning easy money after being told they would be sent back home if caught by police or customs. Some of the couriers had managed to make repeat trips to Malta before being approached, making the prospect more attractive.

The drugs are usually well concealed in a hard suitcase with a false compartment made from material detached from a similar case, making detection difficult. Very often it is only when the suitcase is emptied that customs officers realise something is amiss because of the weight.

Five Turkish nationals are currently serving between 10 and 13 years each and were fined between Lm10,000 and Lm20,000 by the Maltese court since July 2001. They avoided heftier sentences - life is the maximum - because they pleaded guilty

Another two are on remand awaiting trial. Four women are among the Turkish inmates.

While most of the couriers deny knowledge of carrying drugs, police sources said the majority would have received instructions to feign ignorance because they were duped into thinking that this would lead to them being sent home.

However, the couriers are rarely aware of who the luggage should be delivered to. They are merely informed of a meeting point or told to go to pre-booked accommodation to await further instructions.