Interpol team in Ireland to assist with cocaine investigation

A joint Garda, Defence Forces, and Customs operation resulted in a dramatic military storming of a bulk cargo vessel, the MV Matthew, in Irish waters last Tuesday. Picture: Niall Carson/PA

A specialist International Criminal Police Organisation (Interpol) investigation squad has flown into Ireland to assist gardaí in a sprawling investigation into last week’s interception of a ‘cartel mothership’ in Irish waters.

The five-strong unit brings with it financial, technical, maritime, and drug-investigation expertise.

The Interpol Operational Support Team has arrived over stages, with some of the members here for the last few days.

These members have already travelled to various investigations teams around the country, including Cork and Wexford.

The Interpol team will have a base of operations in the Garda Organised and Serious Crime headquarters in Walter Scott House in Dublin.

A joint Garda, Defence Forces, and Customs operation resulted in a dramatic military storming of a bulk cargo vessel, the MV Matthew, in Irish waters last Tuesday.

Despite bungled efforts by some crew members to set fire to the cocaine, elite soldiers from the Army Ranger Wing secured the load and the vessel.

A total of 2.25 tonnes of cocaine was seized, the biggest haul ever in Ireland.

Gardaí are satisfied none of the cocaine was destroyed and that only the outside wrapping of some bales was melted.

The Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau is leading the investigation and has separate teams working in Cork and Wexford as well as Dublin.

Cork detective units are assisting the bureau in interviewing the 25 crew members on the vessel.

Eight arrests have taken place and three people have so far been charged.

The Interpol team brings a range of technical and investigative skills, including access to global databases, criminal intelligence analysis, digital forensic analysis, language and technical support in interviews, maritime expertise and tracking of vessels, and expertise on money laundering and drug investigations.

Some of the team arrived in recent days and the rest should be here overnight.

Criminal figures that the Kinahan crime cartel has invested in over the years are being investigated in relation to the drug smuggling operation.

Interpol dispatches specialist support teams in response to requests from member states. It has its HQ in Lyon, France.