3 convicted in Irish cocaine operation

CORK, Ireland, July 23 (UPI) -- Three men were convicted Tuesday for their part in a bungled cocaine smuggling operation in which 1.5 tons were lost when a boat capsized off Ireland.

Joe Daly, 41, Martin Wanden, 45, and Perry Wharrie, 48, all British nationals, face life sentences, The Irish Independent reported. Another man, Gerard Hagan of Liverpool, pleaded guilty at the start of trial.

The four were arrested after their inflatable boat swamped in rough seas off the coast of West Cork in July 2007. The boat was carrying 62 bales of cocaine, police said.

Another four suspects are missing, The Independent said. They are believed to be fleeing the police and a Colombian drug cartel whose leaders are angry over the fiasco.

The three have been in custody for more than a year. Wanden's wife killed herself after his arrest.