Cocaine worth £5m seized on yacht

HMS Argyll assisted the operation

Three men are being questioned after cocaine with a street value of £5m was seized from a yacht off Cornwall.

The Ronin was en-route from the Caribbean when it was stopped by UK Border Agency (UKBA) officers.

Plymouth-based HMS Argyll supported the Metropolitan Police operation 15 miles off the Cornish coast.

Officers recovered nearly 100kg in three laundry bags hidden in the forward cabin of the British-registered 35ft yacht.

'Excellent work'

Two men, aged 58 and 53, have been arrested on suspicion of trafficking cocaine.

A 42-year-old man was also arrested in London.

The Ronin was taken into a secure dock in Plymouth after Friday's operation where it will examined.

Police praised the "excellent work" of the UKBA and Royal Navy in assisting the arrests following a "challenging and demanding investigation".

HMS Argyll has been involved in a number of successful drugs hauls at sea.

Cdr 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, director of intelligence and national operations at the UKBA said: "We will continue to work with other law enforcement agencies to tackle the smugglers who attempt to bring illegal goods into the UK."