A 31-year-old man has been warned to expect a lengthy jail sentence for his part in a plot to smuggle pure heroin in picture frames.

Tariq Hussain, of Hollings Terrace, Girlington, Bradford, pleaded guilty yesterday to conspiring with others unknown to import the Class A drug, between January 1, 2010 and June 30.

He also admitted possession of a small amount of heroin on June 9.

Tauseef Butt, 25, of Larch Hill Crescent, Odsal, Bradford, denied the conspiracy offence.

He walked free from Bradford Crown Court after Bashir Ahmed, lawyer for the Crown, offered no evidence against him.

Hussain’s barrister, Martin Sharpe, told Judge Peter Benson: “He is under no illusions about the type of sentence he will receive.”

Mr Sharpe said Hussain had surrendered his passport to the police and it was a condition of his bail to comply with the Drug Intervention Prog-ramme.

He asked the judge to adjourn sentence until January 21 for the preparation of a probation service report.

Judge Benson told Hussain: “You have pleaded guilty to a very serious offence and you must expect a significant custodial sentence.”

Judge Benson ordered Hussain to continue to comply with the drug intervention programme and not to apply for any travel documents.

Hussain was arrested after officers swooped on his car in Kensington Street, Girlington, Bradford.

They seized five picture frames from the boot. Forensic scientists extracted 839 grammes of pure heroin that was impregnated in the hardboard backing.

The value of the drug is at least £41,950 but it would be considerably more if it was mixed with other substances and split into street deals.