Advertisement

Britons questioned after '£62.5 million drug haul' found on yacht

Three British men are being questioned by Irish drugs squad officers after the yacht was intercepted with a suspected cargo of cocaine worth 80 million euro (£62.5 million).

The Irish Navy has only today released details of a huge drug haul which was discovered when they boarded a yacht yesterday.

Defence Forces Ireland of Irish Navy ship, LE Niamh, with yacht, Makayabella. Credit: Defence Forces Ireland/PA Wire

The 60ft Makayabella was stormed 200 nautical miles off Mizen Head, Ireland's most southerly point before being towed to Haulbowline naval base in Cork.

Customs officials aboard the yacht Makayabella. Credit: PA Wire

The cargo of drugs, believed to weigh about a tonne, remains on the vessel at the dock while the three suspects are being questioned by the Garda.

If the haul of cocaine could have an estimated street value of 80 million euro, it could be even higher depending on purity. If confirmed, it would be one of the biggest such drug seizures at sea in Europe this year.