State looking to offload €100,000 a week cost of vessel seized in €157m drugs raid

The MV Matthew was boarded in a dramatic operation by the Rangers, a specialist wing of the Irish Defence Forces, in September 2023

To date, counsel said, the State has preserved the MV Matthew to ensure the fair trial rights of eight men accused of offences relating to the drug seizure. File picture: Denis Minihane

Lawyers for the State are preparing to put an end to the €100,000 per week cost of maintaining the cargo ship that was stormed by the Army Rangers, resulting in one of the largest drugs' hauls in Irish history.

John Berry SC, for the Director of Public Prosecutions, Monday told the Special Criminal Court that the State will apply next month for a declaration that the ongoing preservation of the MV Matthew is no longer required.