Four arrested over huge drugs seizure off Irish coast to appear in court
Three men have already appeared at courts in Wexford and Waterford in relation to the seizure.
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Four males arrested in connection with an investigation into Ireland’s largest ever drugs seizure are to appear in court later.
Almost 160 million euro (£139m) of cocaine was found on a bulk cargo ship off the Irish coast last week.
The four suspects are expected to appear at Mallow District Court in Co Cork on Tuesday morning.
Gardai announced the planned appearance of three of the arrested males on Monday night. On Tuesday morning they said a fourth suspect who had remained in custody would also now appear before the same court.
Three men have already appeared at courts in Wexford and Waterford in relation to the seizure.
A total of 2,253kg of cocaine was found on the MV Matthew cargo ship after members of the Irish Army Ranger Wing captured the vessel off the coast by abseiling from a helicopter.
Police believe the cocaine, seized after the dramatic military operation at sea, was destined for distribution beyond Ireland, potentially into the UK and continental Europe.
A fishing trawler that grounded off the coast of Co Wexford days before the seizure was also being monitored as part of the operation, amid suspicions it was en route to rendezvous with the cargo ship.