LOS ANGELES » Officials say a Los Angeles County man who attempted to smuggle nearly seven pounds of cocaine out of the country using a hollowed-out surfboard was sentenced to 5 years in federal prison.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement said Jesse Herrera was sentenced Monday following his arrest in February at Los Angeles International Airport.

Officials say Herrera was arrested after U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers noticed irregularities in the surfboard he checked with his baggage on a flight destined for Sydney. Agency officials cut off the end of the surfboard and found four plastic packages filled with cocaine.

The 31-year-old pleaded guilty in May to one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine. Officials estimate the cocaine in Herrera’s possession would have sold for more than $750,000 in Australia.