€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.”

Judge Leo Malone remanded Britteon in custody until January 8.

Emmet Boyle, solicitor for the two other accused — John Powell and Benjamin Mellor — said they were both very anxious about directions coming through from the DPP. They would not consent to a four-week remand and will be brought back to Cork District Court on December 22.

John Powell, aged 70, Benjamin Mellor, aged 35, and Thomas Britteon, aged 28, are each charged with a single offence relating to the seizure of 1,025kg of cocaine by the joint task force on drug interdiction in the early hours of Tuesday, September 23.

Each is charged with possessing cocaine on board the yacht, Makayabella 217 nautical miles off the coast of Ireland on September 23 with intent to import the drug contrary to Irish legislation or the laws of any other state.