Bulk Carrier Crew Jailed Over Ireland’s Largest-Ever Maritime Drug Seizure

Eight men have been sentenced to prison terms ranging from 13.5 years to 20 years for their roles in a failed attempt to smuggle 2.2 tonnes of cocaine into Ireland. The cocaine, worth over €157 million, was seized in September 2023 in what has become the largest drug seizure in Irish history.

The drugs were found on board the MV Matthew, a Panamanian-flagged cargo ship. The ship was tracked as it sailed from Curaçao, near Venezuela, across the Atlantic. It was intercepted off the coast of Ireland in a joint operation by An Garda Síochána, Revenue Customs, and the Irish Defence Forces.

On 26 September 2023, an elite team of Army Ranger Wing (ARW) soldiers fast-roped from a helicopter onto the MV Matthew after the ship ignored warnings from the Irish Navy vessel LÉ William Butler Yeats. The operation was carried out in dangerous weather conditions. The Navy had earlier fired warning shots when the ship tried to escape.

Six of the eight men were on board the MV Matthew. They had various roles in the operation and were part of a larger transnational criminal organisation. The group behind the smuggling attempt was said to have unlimited resources and global connections, with leaders reportedly based in Dubai.

The court heard that the MV Matthew had been purchased by the crime group specifically to smuggle drugs. The operation was well-planned, using encrypted communication apps, Starlink internet, and spoofing techniques to hide the ship’s real location.

Dutch national Cumali Ozgen, also known as “Jimmy”, was described as the main man for the cartel on board. He received the longest sentence of 20 years. The court was told he loaded drug crates onto the ship and even tried to burn the cargo when the Navy approached. He had been promised between €50,000 and €100,000 if the smuggling operation had succeeded.

Filipino national Harold Estoesta, who played a key role in managing the ship’s communications and evasion tactics from the bridge, was sentenced to 18 years. Iranian captain Soheil Jelveh received 17.5 years. The court said he faked a medical emergency to escape the ship but was fully aware of what was going on.

Ukrainian national Vitaliy Vlasoi, who took over the ship’s control after the captain fled, was sentenced to 16.5 years. The court heard he steered the ship dangerously to stop a military helicopter from landing. Iranian national Saeid Hassani, described as an “enthusiastic” participant, got 15 years. Ukrainian Mykhailo Gavryk was sentenced to 14 years. He was said to have had the least involvement among the six but still knew what was happening.

The other two men were arrested after being rescued from the Castlemore, a trawler that ran aground while preparing to meet the MV Matthew and collect the cocaine. They were UK national Jamie Harbron (31) and Ukrainian sailor Vitaliy Lapa (62). Both men pleaded guilty to attempting to possess cocaine for sale or supply. Harbron was sentenced to 13.5 years, and Lapa received 14.5 years.

During the court proceedings, Detective Superintendent Keith Halley, who led the investigation, explained how the Gardaí worked closely with Revenue Customs and the Joint Task Force. He said the MV Matthew had been heading toward Sierra Leone when it was intercepted. Gardaí recovered data from phones and chat groups used by the accused to talk to their Dubai-based handlers.

At the sentencing hearing in Ireland’s non-jury Special Criminal Court, Judge Gráinne Malone said all the offences were extremely serious.

The court also heard pleas for leniency, with references to family illnesses, long distances from loved ones, cultural differences, and other personal difficulties. Several character references were read out during the hearing.

However, the judges said they did not accept that Harbron and Lapa were minor players. Harbron had claimed he was acting under pressure from drug debts, but the court pointed to messages showing he was competent and aware of his role. Lapa, a trained sailor, was piloting the damaged Castlemore trawler and was also considered a key participant.

Judge Malone praised the professionalism of everyone involved in the operation. She gave special recognition to the Army Ranger Wing for their courage and skill in storming the ship. She also highlighted the clarity of the investigation and the strong evidence that led to guilty pleas.

After the operation, the MV Matthew was brought to a naval base at Marino Point in Cork Harbour. Maritime records showed it was owned by a one-ship company based in the Marshall Islands and had recently been sold before the operation.

Following the sentencing, senior officers from Ireland’s Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau issued a warning to drug traffickers, stating that the full force of the Irish State and its international partners would be used against them.

References: BBC, thejournal

Source: Maritime Shipping News