Irish shipping agent denies buying boat for $40m drug run

A WATERFORD shipping agent accused of supplying boats to international drug dealers has pleaded with Spanish police to let him return to Ireland without seeking his arrest.

Joseph Anthony O’Connor, who is wanted in Spain for allegedly buying a specially-equipped boat for a $40 million (€33 million) hashish shipment, is hoping to return to Ireland and his shipping business in Vigo in north-west Spain.

He is currently living in San Diego and hoping to negotiate a safe return to Ireland and Spain. He has made several requests to the US Attorney’s Office in San Diego to intervene.