A considerable and significant amount of controlled drugs, believed to be cocaine, was seized by police around the coast of Pembrokeshire at the weekend. The seizure, estimated to have a street value in excess of five million pounds, is currently being forensically examined.
Five people were arrested as a result of the multi- agency operation co-ordinated by Dyfed Powys Police. Also involved were HM Coastguard, Lancashire Police and SOCA.
Three were arrested on a Hunter 46 yacht, two were arrested in Pembrokeshire, while a further three were arrested in Lancashire.
All eight were subsequently charged and appeared at Blackburn Magistrates Court on Monday when they were all remanded in custody for an initial Crown Court appearance on August 23.
They have been transferred to police stations in the North West of England to be interviewed regarding drug trafficking and importation offences.
Two of these persons are from the Manchester and Lancashire area, while the remaining three are believed to be Portuguese.
"The investigation is still ongoing and at an early stage," said a police spokesman.