The Cocaine Superhighway: Inside Ireland's Battle Against Drug Trafficking

Sat Sep 13 2025 15:23:20 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

Explore the dramatic details of a recent cocaine bust involving over 2.2 tonnes and the challenges faced by Irish authorities in combating the escalating drug trade.

A recent operation by Irish authorities thwarted a major cocaine trafficking attempt in the Irish Sea, leading to an impressive bust of over 2.2 tonnes of cocaine. Despite the success, law enforcement is struggling with a lack of resources to effectively manage the increasing volume of drug shipments. The story reveals the complexities of the international drug trade and the vulnerabilities in Ireland's defenses as cartels exploit the country's extensive coastline for smuggling operations.

A text message originating from Dubai, sent with a Santa emoji, initiates a dramatic tale of attempted cocaine trafficking. Two men—one from Ukraine, the other from Teesside—were directed to the Irish Sea on a fishing trawler to rendezvous with the cargo ship MV Matthew, laden with over 2.2 tonnes of cocaine.

The operation, however, did not go as planned; it culminated in a successful intervention by Irish authorities, leading to the arrest of eight men and the conviction of two for a total of 129 years in prison. Despite this victory, law enforcement agencies express concern over the growing influx of cocaine entering Europe, with 100 suspect ships evading interception last year.

According to Sjoerd Top, director of the Maritime Analysis Operations Centre, the tracking of up to 600 vessels daily is hindered by a severe shortage of interception assets. In 2021 alone, the UK saw cocaine consumption rise to 117 tonnes, with drug-related deaths increasing ten-fold since 2011.

As cartels adapt their methods in response to tightened security at major ports, they are increasingly using at-sea drop-offs with 'mother' vessels transferring cargo to smaller boats for landings. Ireland, with its nearly 2,000 miles of vulnerable coastline, has become an attractive target for these operations. Eugene Ryan, a former naval commander, stated, Our territorial waters are a free-for-all really; it's like the Wild West out there.\

The MV Matthew, purchased in 2023 with cartel financing, is just one aspect of a larger struggle Ireland faces. With inadequate coastguard resources—only being able to deploy two ships at sea at any one time and facing a lack of helicopter support—the Irish Defence Forces are compelled to act swiftly against a dynamic threat. Thus, they maintain a presence with plans for increased funding aimed at stabilizing naval service strength.

The situation is further complicated as drug traffickers display relentless tenacity, often armed with advanced technology and significant financial backing. Despite a significant bust recounted here, law enforcement asks the pressing question: Can they keep up with the evolving tactics of organized crime?