Drug gangs feel 'confident' their shipments will get through, according to EU drugs agency

Investigators are examining if the same mothership searched in Cork, the MV Matthew, was involved in previous drop-offs that were seized before the failed attempt in Ireland. Picture: Denis Minihane

Cocaine seizures of the size intercepted in Irish waters this week are happening “frequently” across Europe, an expert in the EU’s drugs agency has said.

The 2.25 tonnes of cocaine seized inside a “mothership” container vessel is the biggest haul of the drug in Ireland, exceeding the 1.5 tonne seizures in 2007 and 2008.