Three British men have been remanded in custody in Cork, after being charged in connection with an 80 million euro drug seizure of the South-West coast.

The cocaine was found aboard a yacht detained by the Irish Naval Service earlier this week.

70 year old John Powell of Airedale Mews, Silsden, West Yorkshire, 35 year old Benjamin Mellor of Manningham, Mornington Villas, Bradford and 28 year old Thomas Britteon with an address at Convamore Road, Grimsby, in Lincolnshire all appeared before a special sitting of Cork District Court this evening.

All three men were charged with a single offence relating to the seizure of the tonne of cocaine.

They were charged with possessing cocaine on board the yacht, Makayabella - some 217 nautical miles off the coast of Ireland on Tuesday September 23rd - with intent to import the drug contrary to Irish legislation or the laws of any other state.

Judge Olann Kelleher granted the men free legal aid.

All three have been remanded in custody to appear again at Cork District Court on October 2nd.