Drugs trial: Farmer told not to alert coast guard

THE soaking-wet man who knocked on the door of a farmhouse in west Cork looking for help on the morning that €440 million worth of cocaine was found floating in choppy waters told the farmer who helped him not to alert the rescue services.

Farmer, Michael O’Donovan of Carrigeengour, Goleen, Co Cork, was giving evidence at Ireland’s biggest ever drugs trial at Cork Circuit Criminal Court.

Three Englishmen, Perry Wharrie, aged 48, of 60 Pyrles Lane, Essex, England, Joseph Daly, aged 41, from 9 Carrisbrook Avenue, Bexley, Kent, and Martin Wanden, aged 45, of no fixed abode, all deny the charges of possessing cocaine, possessing it with intent to sell or supply, and having it for sale or supply on July 2, 2007 at Dunlough Bay, Mizen, Goleen, Co Cork.