Cargo ship seized by Revenue following massive cocaine seizure at Foynes Port

The Maltese-register ship Verila has been seized by Revenue | PICTURE: Brendan Gleeson

placeholder image — The Maltese-register ship Verila has been seized by Revenue | PICTURE: Brendan Gleeson

OFFICERS from Revenue have officially seized a cargo ship on the Shannon Estuary which was discovered to be carrying cocaine worth an estimated €21 million.

A spokesperson for Revenue confirmed that they have detained the vessel, which is docked at Foynes Port, under section 33 of the Customs Act 2015.

“Investigations are continuing, in conjunction with An Garda Síochána,” a spokesperson said this Friday evening.

The development comes following the the seizure of 300kgs of cocaine onboard the ship, identified as the Verila, which sails under the flag of Malta.

Gardaí have since arrested five men in relation to the seizure earlier this week.

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A spokesperson for An Garda Síochána confirmed that five men - aged 50, 46, 44, 41 and 35 years - have been arrested for the offence of importation of controlled drugs contrary to Section 15(b) of the Misuse of Drugs Act.

All are currently being detained at garda stations in the Limerick division.

“The search of the vessel which is being led by officials from Revenue Customs Service is ongoing, at this time,” a garda spokesperson said.

“Investigations ongoing,” they added.