An Englishman is due to go on trial in London today charged in connection with the largest ever drugs seizure in the history of the Irish State, writes BARRY ROCHE
John Gary Edney (57), East Hill, South Darenth, Kent is charged with conspiracy to supply 1,554kg of cocaine with an estimated street value of €440 million. It was seized off Dunlough Bay near Mizen Head in West Cork in July 2007.
Mr Edney, arrested in the UK by British police on July 23rd last, is to be tried at Blackfriars Crown Court in London. The trial is expected to last up to three weeks.
Witnesses are to travel from Ireland to testify at the trial, including a Naval Service officer and gardaí who investigated the smuggling operation, which came unstuck when a Rib vessel overturned at Dunlough Bay. Among those due to give evidence is Cdr Eugene Ryan of the Naval Service, who tracked the Lucky Daycatamaran across the Atlantic as the gang transported the drugs on it from South America to Cork.
Also due to give evidence is Det Chief Supt Tony Quilter of the National Drugs Unit who headed up the investigation into the Dunlough Bay operation, and Det Sgt Fergal Foley and Det Garda David Leslie of the West Cork Divisional Drugs Squad.
In July 2008, three members of the gang arrested in west Cork were sentenced to jail terms totalling 85 years after they were convicted by a jury at Cork Circuit Criminal Court of possessing cocaine for sale or supply at Dunlough Bay following a 12-week trial.