€80m drugs investigation ‘at advanced stage’

A garda inspector said the investigation into three men charged in connection with the seizure of €80m worth of cocaine aboard a yacht in September is at an advance stage.

Insp Michael McGuire said: “Preparation of the file is at a late stage. Overseas enquiries had to be carried out.” He asked for an adjournment for four weeks to allow time for completion of the file.

Shane Collins-Daly, solicitor for one of the accused, Thomas Britteon, said: “He is in custody on this matter only. He is very anxious to see progress on the preparation of the file and get the DPP’s directions as quickly as possible given the situation he is in.”