Gardaí probing whether huge cocaine haul has link to Hezbollah

Military personnel onboard the MV Matthew as the Irish Navy escorted it into the Port of Cork after 2.2 tonnes of illicit drugs were found onboard and a number of arrests were made. Picture: Niall Carson/PA

An international investigation into the massive 2.2 tonne seizure of cocaine in Irish waters in September is examining links to Middle East militants Hezbollah and Iranian criminal gangs.

Gardaí are waiting to see if Dubai police — who visited Ireland a fortnight ago — will assist in this probe as well as wider investigations into the leaders of the Kinahan crime cartel based in the United Arab Emirates.