A man arrested after a major drug seizure off the southwest coast of Ireland last month has admitted attempting to smuggle cocaine into the UK.
Stephen Powell, 47, from Guiseley, West Yorkshire, was charged with conspiracy to import cocaine, worth up to an estimated €80m.
His arrest followed the seizure of around a tonne of the drug on board the Makayabella yacht off the Cork coast.
Powell pleaded guilty to the charge when he appeared by video link at Leeds Crown Court today.
Powell's father John Powell, 70, of Silsden, West Yorkshire; Benjamin Mellor, 35, of Bradford, West Yorkshire; and Thomas Britteon, 28, of Grimsby, North East Lincolnshire, were charged by gardaí with possessing cocaine with intent to import after they were detained on board the yacht.
They have appeared at Cork District Court.
A 43-year-old man and a 29-year-old man have also been arrested in connection with the investigation.
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Powell entered his plea at a brief court hearing today.
The Recorder of Leeds, Judge Peter Collier, told him: "Stephen Powell, you have pleaded guilty to this very serious offence and obviously you will be receiving, in due course, a significant custodial sentence."
Powell will appear for a further hearing before the same court in early December.
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