Three more people have been charged in connection with a plot to smuggle 1000kg cocaine into the UK.

The drugs were found on luxury yacht Makayabella after it was stopped off the coast of Ireland in September.

David Webster, aged 44, of Rillmead, Otley, West Yorkshire; Philip McElhone, aged 29, of Freemantle Place, Halton Moor, Leeds; and Dawne Powell, aged 56 of Netherfield Road, Guiseley, Leeds, were charged with conspiracy to import cocaine.

Powell was also charged with money laundering.

All three appeared at Wakefield Magistrates Court yesterday, 25 March, where they were remanded to appear at Leeds Crown Court on 8 April 2015.

The drugs found aboard Makayabella

The drugs found aboard Makayabella

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One tonne of the Class A drug cocaine was seized from the 62ft yacht off the coast of Ireland on 23 September, which had been sailed from the Carribbean.

If cut and sold in the UK, this drug haul would have a street value in excess of £100million.

The Makayabella yacht was intercepted by Irish authorities

The Makayabella yacht was intercepted by Irish authorities

The Makayabella was intercepted by Irish authorities while investigators also seized a 25ft (7.6m) motor boat called Sea Breeze, moored in Pwllheli, north Wales.

The powerboat Seabreeze

The powerboat Seabreeze

Three men are awaiting trial in Ireland in connection with the seizure.