Former diamond miner exec admits possession of $38m worth of cocaine

Gareth Hopkins, a former executive for a diamond mining company in Sierra Leone, pleaded guilty to possession of almost $38 million (€29m) worth of cocaine he intended to sale.

The man, who has been in trial in Ireland since June last year, is allegedly involved in large-scale importing of cocaine from South America, which was shipped to Ireland hidden inside lengths of timber, reports RTE News.

Dublin Circuit Criminal Court heard the 33 year old was previously director of a recycling business and had interests in a Polish tobacco company.

Hopkins remains in custody until sentencing in May.

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