The MV Matthew cargo ship at Marino Point in Co Cork after it was seized by authorities. Photograph: Niall Carson/PA WireA 30-year-old man has become the first accused to be returned for trial by judge and jury in connection with the biggest ever drugs seizure in the history of the state when over 2.2 tonnes of cocaine, worth €157 million, was seized aboard a freighter off Cork. A Filipino national, Mr Estoesta was later arrested by gardaí and charged with conspiring with others to possess cocaine worth more than €13,000 in the state for supply on September 24th, 2023 contrary to Section 15A of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1977. When he was charged, Mr Estoesta replied: “I believe that I just followed the orders of my seniors. Mr Estoesta, who was assisted during today’s proceedings by an interpreter, was the sixth member of the crew of the Panamian registered MV Matthew to be charged in relation to the huge cocaine haul found aboard the bulk carrier when it was brought to Cork Harbour.

Source: The Irish Times March 06, 2024 07:57 UTC