Wednesday 28 October 2026Compiled from published reports. Every claim links to its source.

Ireland Crime

Every case followed from the first report to the sentence, or to where the reporting stopped.

Case No. 3483Importation of controlled drugs (conspiracy) · Co. Dublin · 18 Dec 2024

Seven cocaine smugglers jailed for €42m importation into Ireland

The Special Criminal Court sentenced seven men to terms between 10 and 12 years for conspiring to import an estimated €42 million worth of cocaine (400–600 kg) into Ireland between December 2024 and January 2025. Judge Karen O'Connor said the court must impose a 'significant deterrent' to international criminal operations using Ireland's coastline for drug importation.

  1. Reportednot reported
  2. Arrestednot reported
  3. Chargednot reported
  4. In courtnot reported
  5. Verdictnot reported
  6. Sentenced23 Mar
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet

Key facts

consolidated from all reports
11 statements extracted from the articles
  • whatThe successful importation was of an estimated €42 million worth of cocaine. (irishtimes.com)
  • whatIt is estimated that 400 to 600 kg of cocaine was imported. (irishtimes.com)
  • whenThe guilty pleas were entered on dates between 18 December 2024 and 15 January 2025. (irishtimes.com)
  • chargeThe offences are contrary to section 71 of the Criminal Justice Act 2006. (irishtimes.com)
  • chargeThe seven conspired with others to import into the State drugs in excess of €13,000. (irishtimes.com)
  • courtThe Special Criminal Court jailed seven cocaine smugglers for terms between 10½ years and 12 years. (irishtimes.com)
  • sentenceCostello, Watson, Lao, Ampo and Pangahin each received 10½ years. (irishtimes.com)
  • sentenceKoprivica received a sentence of 12 years. (irishtimes.com)
  • sentenceMonks will serve 10 years. (irishtimes.com)
  • otherThe operation was planned by an international drugs cartel operating at a very high level. (irishtimes.com)
  • otherEach of the seven had travelled to Ireland to participate in serious criminality. (irishtimes.com)

The reporting

newest first
  1. 23 Mar2026
    Sentencedirishtimes.com, first report
    Smugglers who brought €42m worth of cocaine into State jailed

    Reports the sentencing of seven convicted cocaine smugglers by the Special Criminal Court, with sentences ranging from 10 to 12 years.

    convicted, Gary Monks, 41, male, named, non-irish (judged from name)Gary Monksconvicted, Miljan Koprivica, 46, male, named, non-irish (judged from name)Miljan Koprivicaconvicted, Conor Costello, 31, male, named, non-irish (judged from name)Conor Costelloconvicted, Ryan Watson, 32, male, named, non-irish (judged from name)Ryan Watsonconvicted, Hanz Pangahin, 36, male, Filipino, named, non-irishHanz Pangahinconvicted, Christopher Ampo, 44, male, Filipino, named, non-irishChristopher Ampoconvicted, Feljon Lao, 29, male, Filipino, named, non-irishFeljon Lao