A Brazilian national who tried to smuggle three kilograms of cocaine into New Zealand will spend more than eight years behind bars.

Cassio Spadari Kawasaki, 38, arrived at Auckland International Airport on November 12.

A baggage search revealed the cocaine – which had an estimated street value of $1.3 million – hidden in the lining of his suitcase.

When interviewed by Customs officers, he admitted to carrying the cocaine for money.

He was sentenced to eight years and seven months' imprisonment in the Manukau District Court this week.

Customs' Peter Lewis said the sentence showed that crime did not pay for drug couriers.

"Transnational criminal syndicates recruit drug couriers through various means, and have no concern for their wellbeing. These individuals end up bearing the brunt of the law," he said.

Earlier in February, Portugese national Helder Soares Gomez, 47, was imprisoned for eight years after concealing 2.6kg of cocaine in his suitcase.

Gomez will be deported after serving his sentence.

- Stuff