Ireland Crime

First report of the Foynes Port cocaine seizure, identifying the two charged crew members, the charges, the remand and the four men released without charge.

Adds that two men aged 32 and 35 were charged and expected before Limerick District Court on Christmas Eve, that four others arrested were released without charge with files going to the DPP, and that the vessel had arrived from Canada. The article does not name the accused.

Reports that five men were arrested on 22 December 2023 over the Foynes seizure, aged 35, 41, 44, 46 and 50, and that they are charged with importation of controlled drugs. Gives the vessel's origin and flag and says the investigation is supported by international agencies.

Adds details of the six arrests (five on Friday, a sixth on Friday night) on suspicion of importing controlled drugs, the drug packaging, the ship's voyage history, and ongoing phone and DNA examinations. Says the men were held for questioning, and no charges are reported.

Investigation update: forensic examination of seized phones for fingerprints and DNA has begun, and voluntary crew interviews continue. The article states no charges or arrests.

Adds details of the seizure and investigation: about 300kg of cocaine in six packs above deck, phones and ship records seized, crew interviews, ship detained under Customs legislation, and a suspected sea drop. The article names no suspects and reports no charges or arrests.

Early report published before any arrests or charges. It adds the seizure details, the vessel's origin and the Garda Info photos of drug detector dog Harley with the cocaine. The existing case records later charges against two Bulgarian men.

Adds the vessel's route from Brazil via Canada, the 300kg weight, the possible value above €60 million, the buoyancy aids and tracking devices found, the suspected plan to drop the drugs at sea, and that the crew are being voluntarily interviewed. It does not name anyone or report any arrests or charges.

Reports the seizure in more detail: estimated quantity of 300kg to 500kg, valuations, concealment in a bale with a buoyancy aid and GPS beacon, suspected plan to drop the consignment overboard, the ship's route from Canada, and that the crew will be held for interview. It predates the charges in the existing case.

Early report that suspected drugs were found on a bulk carrier at Foynes Port. It gives no drug quantity, vessel name, crew details, arrests or charges, and says Revenue would not disclose details.

Adds that five men aged 50, 46, 44, 41 and 35 were arrested on 22 December 2023 for importation of controlled drugs, and that the vessel search led by Revenue is ongoing. The article does not name anyone and does not mention the two Bulgarian men charged in case 6869.

Adds a sixth arrest, of a 32-year-old man for importation of controlled drugs, held at a Limerick division Garda station. The article does not name him or give his nationality.

Official garda.ie press release confirming the two men, aged 32 and 35, have been charged and are expected at a special sitting of Limerick District Court on 24 December 2023 at 3:30pm. It also states four other arrested people were released without charge and files are being prepared for the DPP, and that investigations are ongoing. It does not name the men or give nationalities.

Official Garda statement issued 20 December 2023, before any charges. It gives the vessel's Maltese registration, that it arrived from Canada, that the search was continuing, and that the Limerick Division and national units are leading the investigation. It names no suspects and states that no arrests had been made.