British police say they have arrested two men aboard a yacht carrying 5 million pounds (US$8.9 million) worth of cocaine.London's Metropolitan Police say a 58-year-old and a 53-year-old were nabbed 15 miles (24 kilometers) off the coast of southwest England when their 35-foot (11-meter) yacht was intercepted by British customs vessels early Friday morning. The boat was carrying 100 kilograms (220 pounds) of cocaine in large nylon laundry bags concealed in the forward cabin.
Police say the yacht was sailing from the Caribbean and that the men aboard were part of a organized crime ring operating out of the British capital. They say a 42-year-old man was arrested later that morning in London.Police identified the men as British but did not reveal their names.One hundred kilos of cocaine bound for London has been seized in a major drugs bust on board a yacht.Officers from the UK Border Agency (UKBA) swooped on the 35-foot yacht off the Cornwall coast yesterday and found the £5million stash hidden in laundry bags.It is understood the cocaine was bound for London, according to the UKBA.It is thought the British-registered yacht - the Ronin - had sailed from the Caribbean and it has now been taken to secure docks in Plymouth where it will be forensically examined.Drugs bust: Royal Navy frigate HMS Argyll assisted with the raidHailed as a 'major blow' to organised crime in the capital, the multi-agency operation also included assistance from the Serious and Organised Crime Agency as well as the Royal Navy, which provided its frigate HMS Argyll for the raid.Pete Olive, the ship's commanding officer, said: 'All of us were delighted to be able to contribute to this successful operation.
'The Royal Navy routinely train with personnel from other agencies and it is gratifying to be reminded that the training works and to know we have made a difference.'Tony Walker, of the UKBA, added: 'This is a perfect example of the modern and collaborative approach to border control adopted by the UK Border Agency.
'We will continue to work with other law enforcement agencies to tackle the smugglers who attempt to bring illegal goods into the UK.'
Two men, aged 58 and 53, were arrested on suspicion of drug trafficking offences in relation to the importation of cocaine.
A 42-year-old male was also arrested in London.All three are currently being questioned.
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