Gardaí monitored the aircraft landing at the Abbeyshrule Aerodrome in 2022.
A Waterford man described as a 'Walter Mitty type' character, has pleaded guilty to importing €8.4 million euro worth of cocaine into an airport in the midlands.
Last March, 56-year-old Tim Gilchrist of Mavis Bank, Newrath, Waterford pleaded guilty at Mullingar Circuit Criminal Court, to possessing drugs worth €13,000 or more, for sale or supply, at Lough Owel, Irishtown, Westmeath.
Yesterday he appeared again, and entered an additional plea to unlawfully importing cocaine - after Gardaí monitored a light aircraft landing at Abbeyshrule Aerodrome in County Longford on August 4th 2022.
The court heard he used a Cessna for "leisure" flying but claimed he was under duress from two men who threatened him unless he followed their instructions.
He's been remanded in custody for sentencing tomorrow.