Three jailed for their part in massive drugs haul off Cork coast

The Makayabella was detained off the Cork coast on September 23rd last


Jail sentences have been handed down to three men for their part in trying to smuggle almost 300 million euros of cocaine into the UK 

71 year old Jonathan Powell the yacht's skipper from West Yorkshire was jailed for 10 years, crew members Benjamin Mellor from Yorkshire and Thomas Britteon of Lincolnshire were each jailed for eight years by Judge Sean O Donnabhain at Cork Circuit Criminal Court..

All three were detained aboard the yacht, Makayabella off the Cork coast on September 23rd last in Joint Task Force operation involving navy, customs and gardai.

A total of 41 bales of cocaine - which was around 70% pure - were seized in the operation.

The men all pleaded guilty to possessing over 1000 kilos of cocaine with a street value of €290 million for sale or supply 

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