€11m drugs case lorry brothers freed

Two Irish brothers imprisoned in France for almost two years over an €11m drugs haul were tonight set free.

Michael and Roger Bergin were detained after French police found more than a quarter of a tonne of cannabis and 15 kilograms of cocaine. The seizure was estimated to be worth around €11m.

A Department of Foreign Affairs spokeswoman said: “It is our understanding that the two men have been released.”

The men, from Co Longford, had been held in a prison in Perpignan, south-west France, since their arrest in February 2003.

It is understood the truck drivers were kept behind bars awaiting trial since they were picked up by police.

Cannabis worth €10m and cocaine valued at €1m was seized by officers in the raid.

Stephen Jakobi, Fair Trials Abroad spokesman, said it was a breakthrough in the battle for justice.

“We are very happy for them and for their families. We very rarely get cases like with results like this,” Mr Jakobi said.

The Irish Embassy in Paris provided the pair, who have with addresses in Longford town and Lanesborough, with assistance since their arrest.

It is understood the brothers’ legal team are looking into launching a lawsuit against French authorities over their two year detention.