Drug ship towed after costing the state millions

After almost three years, a ship involved in the biggest drug seizure in the history of Ireland has departed Cork Harbour after costing the state €17m to maintain.

Warning shots rang out off the coast of Cork on 26 September 2023 during a dramatic operation which saw military personnel forcefully board Panamanian registered bulk cargo vessel, the MV Matthew.

An estimated €157m worth of cocaine was seized during the operation and gardaí arrested six of the crew as well as the two men who crewed a smaller vessel, the Castlemore, which sank off the coast of Wexford.

It was the largest drug seizure in Europe in 2023.

The arrested crew members were found guilty at the Central Criminal Court and sentenced on 4 July 2025 to terms of imprisonment ranging from 13 and a half to 20 years imprisonment.

The seizure was the result of a multi-agency operation comprising members of the Revenue Customs Service, the Naval Service, the Army Ranger Wing, and An Garda Síochána.

Two Air Corps helicopters were involved in the operation which saw army rangers fast-rope onto the ship's deck after a number of warning shots were fired. They were able to successfully seize the ship and prevent the destruction of critical evidence.

Following the operation, Revenue detained the MV Matthew and seized the cocaine. The ship was then towed into Cork harbour where it remained until last Saturday.

The process of removing the vessel was complicated by a number of factors. As well as being required for evidential purposes, no party claimed ownership of the vessel following its seizure meaning it fell upon the Irish Revenue to ensure the vessel was safely secured and maintained.

Revenue reports safely managing and maintaining the vessel to date has cost in the region of €17 million.

Revenue said, while the cost arising from the ship’s detention has been significant, the seizure of the vessel was unprecedented and represented a significant internationally recognised outcome in the fight against organised crime.

A statement from Revenue read: “Detaining and seizing a vessel the size of the MV Matthew is without precedent in this jurisdiction. Its interdiction and seizure have significantly disrupted the activities of organised crime gangs, protecting society from the lasting and detrimental impact that such illegal importations cause.”

Ultimately, an international shipping company acquired the MV Matthew for just $1 with an agreement to tow the vessel to Varna in Bulgaria.