Irish Court Denies Dismissal of Charges in Major Cocaine Smuggling Case

In a significant development in a major drug trafficking case, an Irish court has denied the motion to dismiss charges against six individuals suspected in one of Ireland’s largest cocaine seizures. The court, a non-jury Special Criminal Court, upheld the prosecution’s case after a thorough hearing on January 13th, 2024.

Seizure Details

The seizure occurred in a dramatic operation on September 21st, 2023, when the Irish Defence Forces, specifically the Army Rangers, boarded the MV Matthew, a Panamanian-registered bulk carrier. During this operation, authorities discovered and seized 2.25 tonnes of cocaine, which they estimate has a street value of over €157 million. This makes it the largest cocaine seizure in Irish history.

Legal Process

The six men charged in connection with this seizure are facing serious drug trafficking offenses. They include Ukrainian nationals Mykhailo Gavryk, 32, and Vitaliy Vlasoi, 32; Iranian citizens Soheil Jelveh, 51, and Saeid Hassani, 39; Dutch national Cumali Ozgen, 49; and Filipino Harold Estoesta, 31. The defendants sought to have the charges against them dismissed under Section 4E of the Criminal Justice Act 1999, a move that prohibits public reporting of the evidence and arguments presented during the hearing.

Judgment Delivered

Justice Melanie Greally, sitting with Judges Sarah Berkeley and Grainne Malone, delivered the judgment on February 20th, 2024. The court ruled against the defendants’ application to dismiss the charges. Brendan Grehan, the solicitor representing Ozgen, stated that the decision would require time to analyze and convey to his clients. The matter was adjourned until Wednesday for further proceedings.

Additional Developments

It is worth noting that the legal process is ongoing. On the same day as the judgment, a seventh individual, Vitaliy Lapa, 62, a Ukrainian national, appeared before the court. He pleaded guilty to charges involving cocaine possession with intent to sell or supply. His guilty plea contrasts with the six defendants who sought to have their charges dismissed.

Ireland

From the Caribbean to Cork: The journey of cocaine…

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