Drug smuggler jailed over €440m cocaine haul

A British man who led authorities to the largest ever-drugs seizure in Ireland was today jailed for 10 years.

Liverpudlian Gerard Hagan, who swam ashore for help as an inflatable boat carrying 1.5 tonnes of cocaine overturned in rough seas, pleaded guilty to his role in the international drugs smuggling operation.

The 24-year-old, of Hollow Croft, was among four Englishmen arrested when €440m worth of the drug washed up off the south west coast of Cork in July last year.

Three others – who were jailed for a total of 85 years after a 42 day trial - have lodged appeals against their convictions and sentences.