International drug gangs ‘will exploit cuts to naval service'

Calls to address 'frighteningly low strength' of Defence Forces
International drug gangs ‘will exploit cuts to naval service'

Naval vessel LÉ Róisín returning from patrol after dawn at Roches Point, Cork. The naval service now has just four vessels in operation, down from nine vessels in 2021. Picture: David Creedon

Cuts to the Irish navy will allow South American cartels to accelerate cocaine trafficking across the North Atlantic into Europe, a top expert has warned.

Official confirmation this week that the naval service now has just four vessels in operation — down from six ships a year ago and nine vessels in 2021 — will not go unnoticed by international traffickers, according to ex-Garda assistant commissioner Michael O’Sullivan.

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