Irish police believe they have broken up an international drug smuggling logistics operation, whose members tried to throw almost two tons of cocaine worth up to a billion euros into the sea in the municipality of Cork, as reported by local media.
Ten suspects, six Spaniards, two Dutch nationals, one believed to have Iranian origins or some kind of connection to the mentioned country, and two Serbian nationals, were arrested. One of the Dutch men arrested is known to have ties to drug gangs in Europe. At least one of the suspects is known internationally to police and security forces for involvement in international drug trafficking. One man in custody is also said to have significant experience in maritime affairs. Irish police found several wetsuits and diving equipment.
The street value of the seized cocaine is estimated at up to a billion euros. The police also seized several mobile phones and electronic devices, including GPS devices, which are now forensically examined to shed light on their operations. The Irish Maritime Service is analyzing the tracking data of certain ships on the southwest coast in recent days to identify any suspicious movements and identify a potential mother ship that could have been transporting a large drug shipment. The Maritime Analysis and Operations Centre in Lisbon, which plays a key intelligence role in identifying transatlantic drug shipments, is also assisting in the investigation.
Police sources believe that these seizures, along with other recent major drug seizures, including a dramatic seizure that led to the confiscation of 157 million euros worth of cocaine, the largest in Irish history, have put significant pressure on illegal operations within a significant cocaine supply chain in Europe. While the 10 men are being investigated, the search for the suspected mother ship is ongoing. The drugs have not yet been found. Pictures show suspected crew members lying on the ground with handcuffs beside a large camper after a major drug import investigation was launched in West Cork on Thursday morning.
All ten men were brought before the special district court in Bandon, in West Cork.
(Blic/Irish Examiner, Sun)
