'This will all be over soon', crime bosses told men before 2.5 tonne cocaine seizure, court hears

The MV Matthew, owned by a Dubai-based company, was raided at gunpoint by Ireland's elite army ranger wing in September 2023

Some 2.5 tonnes of cocaine was seized from the  MV Matthew in September 2023. The shipment has been linked to an international crime operation, with 'immense capability'. Picture: Larry Cummins

“No need for luck [...] just relax and this will all be over soon," was a message sent from a suspected crime boss to the men now charged with the State's largest cocaine seizure before the ship in which they were sailing was stormed.

The MV Matthew, owned by a Dubai-based company, was raided at gunpoint by Ireland's elite army ranger wing in rough seas in September 2023, off the Cork coast.