Man to be sentenced for part in €80m Cork cocaine seizure

A 47 year-old man is due to be sentenced on Friday for his part in an €80 million drug seizure by Irish law enforcement agencies off the West Cork coast in September.

Stephen Powell, from Guiseley near Leeds, pleaded guilty at Leeds Crown Court in October to conspiracy to import a shipment of cocaine into the UK.

Powell was charged after about a tonne of cocaine was seized by the Irish Navy, Customs and gardaí on board the yacht Makayabella some 250 miles off the Mizen Head on September 23rd.

Powell was told by Judge Peter Collier that he faced a “significant custodial sentence” and was remanded in custody ahead of sentencing on December 5th.

Three Britons were arrested on board the yacht and later brought to Cork where they have been charged with drug smuggling offences.

They are due back in Cork District Court next week.