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Location and Operation Details
In September 2023, a Panama-flagged cargo ship named MV Matthew, en route from Venezuela to Ireland, was intercepted off Ireland’s southern coast in a joint operation by the Irish Coast Guard, Defense Forces, and national police. Authorities discovered approximately 2.2 tons of cocaine on board, with an estimated street value of €157 million — the largest maritime drug seizure in Irish history.
Arrests and Sentencing
Eight crew members, including two Iranian nationals, were convicted and handed prison sentences ranging from 13.5 to 20 years. Iranian captain Soheil Jalaweh received 17.5 years, while chief officer Saeed Hasani was sentenced to 15 years. The court concluded that the crew were fully aware of the smuggling operation and played active roles in transporting the narcotics.
Transnational Network and Global Links
Investigations revealed the smuggling operation was orchestrated by a sophisticated, international network involving the Irish Kinahan crime group, Venezuelan drug cartels, Iranian operatives, and individuals linked to Hezbollah. Coordination was partly managed from Dubai, utilizing encrypted communication platforms and advanced digital tools.
Smuggling Methods and Concealment Tactics
The cocaine was loaded at sea by armed Venezuelan smugglers. To avoid detection, the traffickers reportedly used technologies such as GPS spoofing and encrypted communications to disguise the ship’s route and the true nature of its mission.
Current Status and Ongoing Investigations
While convictions have been secured in Irish courts, security officials say investigations are ongoing into other key players in the network — including financiers and operational coordinators who remain at large.
