Corruption Exposed: Crew Members Earn €200k to Drop Cocaine Off Irish Coast

URGENT UPDATE: Corrupt crew members aboard legitimate cargo ships are reportedly earning up to €200,000 to facilitate cocaine drops off the coast of Ireland, according to Detective Chief Superintendent Seamus Boland, head of the Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau (GNDOCB). This alarming development highlights the escalating drug smuggling crisis affecting the nation and raises serious concerns about maritime security.

Authorities confirm that criminal gangs from the Middle East, Europe, and South America are collaborating with Irish criminals to transform Ireland into a key transit point for large drug deliveries. Detective Boland revealed a significant shift in drug importation tactics: rather than relying on corrupt port workers, gangs are now executing large-scale operations offshore, using cargo vessels as unwitting accomplices.

Boland explained that this innovative method allows ships to continue their journeys while drugs are dropped into the ocean, equipped with flotation devices for pickup by fast boats, known as Rigid Hulled Inflatable Boats (RHIBs). “It’s so simple, it’s actually ingenious,” he stated, emphasizing the need for corruption among ship crew members to facilitate these illicit operations.

Since the beginning of 2023, Gardaí have witnessed a surge in activity along the southern and western coastlines, with multiple successful or attempted drug drops occurring. Law enforcement has made significant strides, resulting in 18 major drug seizures from coastal operations and cargo ship inspections since April 2023. Notable incidents include the importation of crystal meth through Cork and the infamous MV Matthew operation, which solely carried cocaine.

Despite these successes, sources warn that luck plays a crucial role in intercepting these operations. Boland likened the challenge to “finding a needle in a haystack,” as Irish Gardaí work closely with international law enforcement, particularly in the Netherlands, to combat the growing threat. “The gangs have diversified, and any country in Europe with a coastline is now vulnerable to cocaine drops,” he added.

While Ireland’s population of 5 million presents a limited market, the UK and mainland Europe with their larger populations are more appealing to drug traffickers. Boland explained that landing cocaine in Ireland is less profitable compared to larger markets like the UK, where the potential for distribution is significantly greater.

In response to the rising tide of drug smuggling, shipping companies are reportedly collaborating with law enforcement to tackle the issue of corrupt crew members. Boland has underscored the importance of community vigilance, urging the public to report any suspicious activity along the coastlines.

As law enforcement continues to battle this evolving threat, the need for public awareness and cooperation becomes increasingly crucial. The fight against organized crime is far from over, and every tip could make a difference in disrupting these dangerous operations.

Stay tuned for further updates as this situation develops. The urgency of the drug crisis off the Irish coast is at an all-time high, and authorities are working tirelessly to combat this alarming trend.