British men remanded for €80m cocaine bust

By Sean O’Riordan, Irish Examiner

Three British men have appeared at a special sitting of Cork District Court charged with possession of €80m of cocaine with an intention of also trying to import it.

The three were remanded in custody after a hearing in front of Judge Olann Kelleher this evening.

John Powell, 70, from 10 Airdale Mews, Silsden, West Yorkshire was the first to appear. Det Garda Jerome Twomey of the Garda National Drugs Unit said that when charged and cautioned Powell replied “that’s all clear.”

Next was Thomas Britteon, 28, from 120 Convamore Road, Grimsby, North East Lincolnshire. Det Garda Tony Holmes from Anglesea Street Garda Station told Judge Kelleher that when he charged and cautioned Britteon he replied “I’m sorry for what I have done.”

The third man was Benjamin Mellor, 34, with an address at Maningham, Morningtom Villas, Bradford. Det Garda Liam Brennan of the Garda National Drugs Unit told the judge that Mellor made no comment when cautioned.

All three were charged that on September 23 at a location 217.45 nautical miles from the coast of Ireland on a ship the Makayabella they had cocaine in their possession with the intention to import that drug contrary to Section 5 (1A) of the Misuse of Drug Act.

All three were granted free legal aid.

Judge Kelleher approved an application from Det Insp Declan O'Sullivan that they be remanded in custody to appear by video link at Cork District Court at 10.30am next Thursday, October 2.