At least €21m worth of cocaine seized in major security operation in Limerick

Revenue officials uncovered 300kgs worth of cocaine on the Maltese-registered vessel

File photo of Foynes Port.

At least €21m worth of drugs have been seized by customs officers as part of a major security operation in Co Limerick.

Revenue officials boarded the Maltese-registered, 20,000-tonne cargo bulk carrier after it docked in Foynes on Tuesday. 

The vessel had arrived from Canada and was expected to be carrying grain. 

On board, 300kgs worth of cocaine were uncovered. The drugs have an estimated street value of approximately €21m.

RTÉ reported that the seized drugs were concealed in a bale with a buoyancy aid and a GPS locator beacon attached, suggesting it was to be thrown overboard and likely to be picked up and brought ashore by another party thereafter.

A revenue spokesperson told the Irish Examiner its officials, and specialist search teams supported by drug detector dogs, are continuing to search the vessel as part of "a live and on-going operation."

The vessel's crew have been held for interview as part of the investigation. 

"An Garda Síochána attended on scene on Tuesday evening and are working closely with Revenue officers in this operation," the spokesperson said. 

No arrests have yet been made in connection with the seizure.

"This seizure is part of Revenue’s ongoing operations targeting the importation of illegal drugs," the spokesperson added. 

"If businesses or members of the public have any information regarding drug smuggling, they can contact Revenue in confidence on Confidential Phone Number 1800 295 295."

The seizure comes just two months after the MV Matthew was seized off the south coast in September with some 2,253kg of cocaine worth €157 million found on board.