Limerick seizure part of cocaine 'bombardment' of Europe

Gardaí questioning cargo ship crew to establish who was in contact with Irish gang

The ship, MV Verila, a Maltese-registered vessel, was found to have 300kgs of cocaine on board at Foynes, Co Limerick. Picture: Brendan Gleeson

Investigators believe the 300kg cocaine seizure in Limerick was to be distributed across the country, and that a single drug gang — rather than a network of groups — was behind it.

Several Irish outfits — separate from the Kinahan cartel — have built up contacts in South America, and have the capability to distribute such a large quantity of cocaine.