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Ireland, July 2025 – Eight men have been sentenced to a combined 129 years in prison following Ireland’s largest-ever drug seizure, involving over 2.2 tonnes of cocaine with an estimated street value of €157 million. The operation culminated in the dramatic interception of the MV Matthew, a Panamanian-registered cargo vessel, off the southeast coast in September 2023.
🔫 Naval Engagement and Arrests
The Irish Naval Service, aboard the LÉ William Butler Yeats, fired warning shots and machine gun rounds after the MV Matthew ignored verbal orders and attempted evasive maneuvers. The vessel had spoofed its location using AIS (Automatic Identification System) manipulation, falsely broadcasting a route near Venezuela to conceal its true course.
Elite troops from the Army Ranger Wing boarded the ship via helicopter, securing the vessel and detaining six crew members. Two additional suspects were arrested after a failed rendezvous attempt involving a fishing trawler, Castlemore, which ran aground off Wexford.
👥 Sentencing and Roles
The convicted individuals included nationals from Iran, Ukraine, the Philippines, the Netherlands, and the UK, with sentences ranging from 13.5 to 20 years.
- Dutch national Cumali Ozgen received 20 years for a supervisory role
- Filipino officer Harold Estoesta was sentenced to 18 years
- Iranian captain Soheil Jelveh, who was not aboard during the interception, received 17.5 years
📦 Drug Trafficking Operation
The MV Matthew was part of a transnational smuggling network coordinated via encrypted messaging apps, with instructions reportedly originating from Dubai-based crime syndicates. Authorities believe the crew was prepared to burn the cocaine to avoid capture.
🛡️ Joint Task Force Success
The operation was led by a multi-agency task force including Revenue Customs, An Garda Síochána, and the Irish Naval Service, demonstrating Ireland’s capacity to counter organized crime at sea.
Officials hailed the convictions as a clear message that Ireland is “not a soft target” for drug trafficking.
For full coverage, see Newstalk’s report and The Independent’s sentencing breakdown.
Seized cocaine Picture by National Crime Agency Ireland on Flickr
