THE HOME of convicted drug smuggler Martin Wanden in Cape Town, South Africa - with six bedrooms, sea views, a spa-bath and pool - has been auctioned for €1 million.
Wanden is serving a 30-year sentence in Portlaoise prison for his role in the €440 million drugs smuggling operation which went awry in Dunlough Bay, west Cork on July 2nd, 2007.
Wanden was one of three Englishmen convicted last month of the biggest drugs smuggling operation in the history of the State.
His home in Cape Town was seized by the South African Asset Forfeiture Unit in May. The proceeds of the sale last Friday at the villa in Cape Town's Llandudno will go to the South African Criminal Assets Recovery Account.
British police say Wanden used South Africa as his hide-out - spending millions on cars, property, antiques and boats. The authorities in South Africa believe his palatial villa was bought with the proceeds of crime.
About 40 bidders registered for the well-attended auction. The partially finished house of 990sq m boasts six en-suite bedrooms, a spa bath and a magnificent view.
Jonathan Smiedt, chief executive of Claremart auction group, said the prices fetched were "exceptionally good". Curator André van Heerden, appointed by the state to auction Wanden's assets, said the state worked with the Organised Crime Unit in dealing with the matter.
"This is a warning to people who think that South Africa is a haven for criminals," Mr Van Heerden said.
Last month Wanden (45), of no fixed abode, and Perry Wharrie (49), Loughton, Essex, were both jailed for 30 years, while Joe Daly (41), Bexley, Kent, was sentenced to 25 years for their parts in smuggling operation.
During a lengthy trial at Cork Circuit Criminal Court, the men sought to portray themselves as innocent of any involvement in the €440 million drugs smuggling operation.
Wanden told Cork Circuit Criminal Court that he received a call from a friend, Charles Goldie, who claimed to be experiencing difficulty while fishing at sea.
Wanden claimed an argument broke out between him and Goldie when one of three men transferred drugs on to the boat he took to rescue them. He said he was pushed into the capsized boat and left stranded at sea with the drugs.
After Wanden's arrest, his wife Sonia tried to dispose of their assets in Cape Town.
She was found dead last year in a psychiatric hospital in Britain.