Ireland's Largest Ever Drugs Seizure: A Daring Operation Unfolds Off Irish Coast

Irish authorities seized €156 million worth of drugs from the MV Matthew cargo ship in September 2023, in the country's largest ever drugs bust. The operation, dubbed Operation Piano, involved a cat-and-mouse chase between the Naval Service and the Matthew, followed by an elite Army Ranger Wing raid. Eight men have been jailed over the seizure, with the court signaling a tough stance on international drug smuggling.

Ireland's largest drug seizure in history occurred in September 2023, when authorities intercepted 2.2 tonnes of cocaine, valued at over €157 million (£135 million), from the MV Matthew cargo ship. This significant operation, dubbed Operation Piano, involved a complex and daring multi-agency effort to apprehend the drug smugglers [1].

The MV Matthew, a Panamanian-registered bulk carrier, was pursued by the Irish Navy and ultimately boarded by an elite team of Army Rangers. The operation took place in treacherous weather conditions, with the ship attempting to evade capture by engaging in desperate maneuvers. The drugs were seized following a joint operation involving the Garda Síochána, Irish Customs, and the Irish Defence Forces [1].

Eight men were jailed for their roles in the attempted smuggling operation. Sentences ranged from 13.5 to 20 years. The highest jail terms were given to Dutch national Cumali Ozgen, who received 20 years, and Filipino Harold Estoesta, who was sentenced to 18 years. The court noted that the attempted importation of the drugs was part of a cartel with international reach and unlimited resources [1].

The seizure was part of a broader investigation into international drug trafficking. The MV Matthew had been tracked by Irish authorities for several days before the interception. The ship departed from Curacao, off the coast of Venezuela, and sailed across the Atlantic before entering Irish territorial waters [1].

The operation involved the Irish Coast Guard and the EU/UK Maritime Analysis and Operations Centre's Narcotics squad, among other agencies. Footage of the operation, including audio recordings, has been released, providing a detailed account of the dramatic events [2].

Assistant Commissioner for Organised and Serious Crime Angela Willis commented on the investigation's significance, stating that it demonstrated the Irish State's commitment to tackling organized crime. She emphasized that transnational organized crime groups prey on people's vulnerabilities for financial gain and that the investigation underscored the need for a tough stance on such activities [2].

The seizure of the MV Matthew and the subsequent convictions highlight the ongoing efforts to combat international drug trafficking and the coordinated efforts of various agencies in Ireland and beyond. The operation serves as a reminder of the seriousness with which authorities treat organized crime and the potential consequences for those involved [1, 2].

References:

[1] BBC News NI. (2023). Four men plead guilty over €157m cocaine seizure. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c20pvp58rgxo

[2] Daily Mail. (2025). Dramatic moment Irish army container ship £132million cocaine raid. Retrieved from https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-14878147/Dramatic-moment-Irish-army-container-ship-132MILLION-cocaine-raid.html