Dramatic Rescue: MV Matthew Case Reveals Drug Trafficking Conspiracy
In a high-stakes operation, Irish law enforcement apprehended the MV Matthew, a Panamanian bulk carrier, in a saga involving a cargo of over two tonnes of cocaine worth €157 million. This case, currently under trial in the Special Criminal Court, highlights a sophisticated drug trafficking scheme involving international actors and aggressive attempts to evade capture.
MV Matthew’s Desperate Escape Attempt
Counsel for the Director of Public Prosecutions, Seán Guerin SC, detailed that Harold Estoesta, a 31-year-old Filipino, and Saeid Hassani, a 39-year-old Iranian, were charged with possessing the controlled substance for sale or supply. According to Guerin, Estoesta was alone on the MV Matthew’s bridge as the ship tried to evade the Irish navy. He was in charge of overseeing the millions in drugs.
Messages and Desperate Measures
Messaged exchanged in a WhatsApp group called The Deck Officers revealed crashed debate among the conspirators. The group included Estoesta, advocating for rapid escape to Africa and, in extreme scenarios, destroying the cocaine. Guerin cited one message advising to “engulf the lifeboat in flames” to destroy the drugs if a helicopter tried to intercept the ship.
Guerin referred to an audio recording showing Estoesta directing preparations to burn the cargo if necessary, stating, “prepare gasoline” and “make sure everything burns.” This demonstrates Estoesta’s active involvement and leadership in thwarting law enforcement.
Broader Conspiracy Unveiled
The MV Matthew’s seizure was part of a larger drug trafficking scheme involving multiple vessels. Detective Superintendent Keith Halley revealed that signals pointed to another vessel, The Castlemore, as the “daughter ship” set for transporting the cargo from the MV Matthew, the suspected “mother ship.”
Halley spoke about distress signals from The Castlemore, leading to a rescue. The phones of those from the vessel contained information regarding the significant cocaine shipment. With this crucial evidence, law enforcement intensified efforts, leading to the MV Matthew’s interception on September 26, 2023.
Technical Evidence and Navigation Mismatch
Retired naval officer Gary Delaney testified about the ship’s navigation systems, highlighting discrepancies between AIS broadcasts and ECDIS records. From August 22 to September 7, the MV Matthew reported fake positions, contrary to real-time vessel movements, suggesting intentional deception.
Charges and Sentencing
Estoesta and Hassani have pleaded not guilty to charges of possessing controlled drugs—cocaine—in violation of the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2017 to 2023. They also stand accused of preparing to sell or supply the drug aboard the MV Matthew, a Panama-registered vessel.
Broader Impact and Co-Accused Pleas
The impact of this seizure went beyond the MV Matthew. Four co-accused individuals—Mykhailo Gavryk, Vitaliy Vlasoi, Soheil Jelveh, and Cumali Ozgen—pleaded guilty to similar offenses tied to the seized cocaine. Their pleas underscore the breadth of the drug trafficking operation.
The trial, expected to last six weeks, continues with Judge Melanie Greally presiding over the three-judge court.
Conclusion
The MV Matthew case exemplifies international drug trafficking’s complexity and ingenuity. It underscores the importance of cooperation among nations, technology in modern law enforcement, and the commitment of Irish authorities in tackling such crimes.
As the case unfolds, this saga of evasion, conspiracy, and law enforcement’s dramatic intervention highlights the ongoing battle against drug trafficking.
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