Six Arrests As Cargo Ship Remains Under Armed Guard In Cork

Thursday, 28 September 2023 11:46

By Caoimhe Harney

The military operation involving the Naval Service and the Army Ranger Wing

Six men are being questioned in connection with the seizure of over two tonnes of cocaine which Gardaí say is the largest haul in the history of the State.

Three men - an Iranian and two Ukrainians - were arrested as Gardaí continued to interview crew members on the MV Matthew cargo ship where the drugs were found.

Three other men - an Iranian, a Ukrainian and a UK national - are being questioned at Garda stations in Wexford.

Two of them have had their periods of detention extended by a judge.

The military operation involving the Naval Service and the Army Ranger Wing which boarded and secured the cargo ship carrying over two tonnes of cocaine worth an estimated €157 million has now concluded, but the investigation continues.

The forensic examination of the MV Matthew, which is under armed guard in Cork harbour, is continuing.

The trawler which ran aground off the Wexford coast on Sunday night remains wedged on a sandbank and is still being monitored.

It will also be searched but at this stage Gardaí do not believe there are any drugs on board.

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