State confiscates cocaine-smuggling ship MV Matthew

The MV Matthew berthed at Marino Point, Cork. The 190m long, 32m wide bulk cargo vessel, which is estimated to be worth around €9m, is to be put up for auction. Picture: Denis Minihane

The ship at the centre of the biggest cocaine seizure in Irish history has been confiscated by the State.

The MV Matthew was seized in September carrying over 2.2 tonnes of cocaine, with a conservative value of €157m but which may have a street value of some €500m.