8 Aug 2017

New Caledonia cocaine smuggler trial deferred

3:59 pm on 8 August 2017

The trial in New Caledonia of four men accused of smuggling 1.4 tonnes of cocaine has been deferred until November.

Yacht intercepted with 1.4 tonnes of cocaine

Yacht intercepted with 1.4 tonnes of cocaine Photo: supplied New Caledonia Gendarmerie

The four men from Latvia and Lithuania were on a yacht off Tonga when they intercepted by the French navy at the end of last month.

They were in court in Noumea this morning when they secured a delay of proceedings in order to better prepare their defence.

The four could face jail of up to 30 years.

Last week, the drug consignment was burnt under tight security in the furnace of the SLN nickel smelter in Noumea.

It is believed the drugs, worth more than $US100 million, were destined for the Australian market.

Yacht intercepted with 1.4 tonnes of cocaine

Photo: FB New Caledonia Gendarmerie

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