Eighth man due in court in connection with €150m cocaine seizure off Cork coast

More than 2.2 tonnes of cocaine was recovered by gardaí, customs officers from Revenue, and the Defence Forces on the Panamanian cargo ship MV Matthew. Picture: Eamonn Farrell/ RollingNews.ie

An eighth man has been charged by gardaí in connection with a major drug operation in Irish waters last week. 

More than 2.2 tonnes of cocaine was recovered from the Panamanian cargo ship MV Matthew by gardaí, Revenue customs officers, and the Defence Forces personnel.

The haul has an initial value of €157m, making it the largest seizure of drugs in the history of the State.

Gardaí believe the cocaine, seized after the dramatic military operation at sea, was destined for distribution beyond Ireland.

In an update on Wednesday evening, a garda spokesperson said they had arrested and charged a man in relation to the detention of MV Matthew and associated events. 

The man is due to appear before Midleton District Court on Thursday morning. 

"Investigations are ongoing," the garda spokesperson added.

Seven other men have so far appeared before the court in relation to the investigation.