A billion thanks for capsizing drug smugglers

THE man credited as the driving force behind the Navy’s determined counter -narcotics campaign retired yesterday after nearly 40 years battling the import of drugs into this country.

Among the many successful operations Commander Eugene Ryan was involved in, two in particular resulted in the seizure of €1.2 billion of cocaine.

The Navy turned out in force at its Haulbowline base with a standing-down parade to mark the end of an illustrious career which saw him take charge of four ships and travel 250,000 nautical miles before moving to land-based senior duties.