US Edition
Eight jailed over MV Matthew cocaine seizure
- In September 2023, Irish Army Rangers intercepted the Panamanian-flagged bulk carrier MV Matthew near Ireland and confiscated more than two tonnes of cocaine with an estimated value exceeding €157 million.
- The seizure followed a joint operation by garda, customs, Defence Forces, and navy, tracking the ship for days during an extensive international drug smuggling effort organized from Dubai.
- Eight men, including the Dutch national Cumali Ozgen described as the cartel's man on the ship, pleaded guilty and received prison sentences ranging from 13 and a half to 20 years.
- Detective Superintendent Joe O’Reilly stated that the sentences demonstrate Ireland’s firm stance against organised crime, emphasizing it will not tolerate being targeted, while the defendants acknowledged their involvement in smuggling amid expressed fears and compliance during court proceedings.
- The case demonstrates coordinated international law enforcement efforts and highlights the operational complexity of drug trafficking at sea, with punishment reflecting the seriousness of cartel-related activity.
23 Articles
23 Articles
Eight men have been given prison sentences ranging from 13.5 to 20 years for their role in the smuggling of 2.2 tonnes of cocaine, worth over 157 million euros, Irish public broadcaster RTE reports. It was the largest cocaine seizure in Irish history. Among the smugglers was a 49-year-old Dutchman. He confessed and was sentenced to 20 years in prison.
Eight men have been given prison sentences ranging from 13.5 to 20 years for their role in the smuggling of 2.2 tonnes of cocaine, worth over 157 million euros, Irish public broadcaster RTE reports. It was the largest cocaine seizure in Irish history. Among the smugglers was a 49-year-old Dutchman. He confessed and was sentenced to 20 years in prison.
A 49-year-old Dutchman has been sentenced to 20 years in prison in Ireland for cocaine smuggling. He has confessed. The case revolved around a shipment of 2,200 kilos of cocaine that was found in September 2023 on a cargo ship that had departed from Curacao. It was the largest cocaine find in Irish history. The shipment had a street value of 157 million euros, reports broadcaster RTE. The Dutchman was on board the cargo ship, which was intercept…
The Independent
Eight men jailed for involvement in Ireland’s largest ever drugs haul
They received sentences varying in length from 13 and a half years to 20 years on Friday.
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