TWO men charged in connection with an international drugs bust off the coast of Co Cork have pleaded guilty in England to conspiracy to import cocaine.
Around a tonne of the drug was found on board the luxury yacht Makayabella when it was intercepted by the Irish navy in September last year after crossing the Atlantic.
David Webster (44), of Rillmead, Otley, West Yorkshire and Philip McElhone (29), of Freemantle Place, Halton Moor, Leeds, both appeared via video link at Leeds Crown Court yesterday.
They both pleaded guilty to conspiracy to import Class A drugs between March 1 2014 and September 29 2014.
The two men have been remanded in custody until sentencing in September.
It is believed the drugs, which came from Venezuela, would have had a street value in excess of £160 million.
The 62ft Makayabella was in poor condition when it was intercepted by the Irish navy in the Atlantic Ocean, 200 miles off Mizen Head in Co Cork.
Another vessel, known as the Sea Breeze, had to be rescued from the Irish Sea after it ran out of fuel 18 miles off Rosslare, Co Wexford.
After the Sea Breeze was towed ashore, Irish authorities became suspicious at the large amount of food, drums of diesel, cannabis and satellite phones they found onboard.
Around the same time, a US merchant ship reported the Makayabella foundering in the Atlantic.
The Irish Navy sent two of its ships, the LE Niamh and the LE Roisin, to the scene and a six-man team stormed the vessel under darkness.
Judge Guy Kearl QC said: "Mr McElhone and Mr Webster, you pleaded guilty to these matters. I'm going to adjourn sentencing. In the meantime each of you will be remanded in custody."
A woman had denied her part in the drugs bust.
Dawne Powell (56), of Netherfield Road, Guiseley, Leeds, pleaded not guilty to conspiracy to import Class A drugs, namely cocaine, and not guilty to money laundering.
Today Powell appeared via video link from HMP New Hall Women's Prison at Leeds Crown Court to deny the charges.
Both charges were said to have taken place between March 1 2014 and September 29 2014.
She will stand trial on September 14 2015.
It is expected to last around three days.
Judge Guy Kearl QC said: "The trial will take place on September 14. In the meantime you will be remanded in custody."
