Drugs accused 'had no involvement in trafficking'

Mr Johnston was one of three men on a RIB which beached on Gwynver Beach at Sennen

A man accused of conspiring to smuggle millions of pounds worth of cocaine into the UK was not involved in trafficking drugs, a court has been told.

Scott Johnston, 38, of Havant, Hampshire, was arrested on Gwynver Beach at Sennen, Cornwall, last September.

Denying being part of a conspiracy to smuggle drugs with an estimated wholesale value of more than £10m, he told Truro Crown Court he used cocaine personally "a few times a year" but there was no truth in the allegations against him.

The trial continues.

Mr Johnston was one of three men on a rigid inflatable boat (RIB) which beached after jettisoning the bales of drugs into the sea as a National Crime Agency RIB tried to intercept them.

The court heard that, after he was taken into custody, he offered a one-line explanation to investigators.

In an interview, the 38-year-old said: "I just want to state that I had no involvement in any sort of trafficking in any kind of drug."

He did not answer any other questions after his arrest following advice from his solicitor.

'No prior knowledge'

The court heard that Mr Johnston had £2,615 in cash on him when he was arrested.

He said this was money left over after he bought some Musto clothing - a sailing and outdoor brand.

Mr Johnston told the jury he had no prior knowledge of the purpose of the trip in the RIB and was not paid any money for going on it.

He added he personally uses cocaine a few times a year at festivals and parties.

Mr Johnston is on trial with Michael May, 47, of Kelveden Hatch, Essex, who also denies a charge of conspiring to smuggle cocaine.

Five other men have admitted being involved in a conspiracy to smuggle cocaine.