'People who engage in recreational drug use, you are driving demand,' Cork briefing following sentencing of eight men hears

Following this week's prosecution of eight men in relation to Ireland’s largest drugs seizure, made in 2023, a special press briefing was held at the Irish naval base in Haulbowline today.

The briefing, delivered by members of the Joint Task Force, including the Irish Naval Service, the Revenue Customs Service, and An Garda Síochána, as well as officials from INTERPOL and MOAC(N), aimed to highlight the ongoing commitment from the Joint Task Force in tackling drug trafficking across the country.

On July 4, 2025, eight men were brought before the Special Criminal Court for their involvement in attempting to smuggle 2.2 tonnes of cocaine, worth an estimated €157 million, aboard the Panamanian registered vessel, the MV Matthew, in September of 2023.

The eight defendants, six of which were on board the vessel at the time of its interception, were sentenced for a combined 129 years, with sentencing ranging from 13 and a half years to 20 years.

Speaking to The Echo, assistant commissioner for organised and serious crime with An Garda Síochána, Angela Willis said that the scale of sentencing should highlight the severity of the crime to those who both supply drugs for recreational use, but also for those who use drugs recreationally.

“There are two messages here: one is that if you become involved in the sale and supply of illicit drugs, we will deal with you, and bring you before whatever court is appropriate,” said Ms Willis.

“If you’re a part of a trans-national organised crime group, and we believe that the ordinary courts aren’t suitable for you, we will bring you before the Special Criminal Court.

“The other message here, [which is] a very clear message, is for the demand side of illicit drug use.

“People who engage in recreational drug use, you are driving that demand and the misery that is inflicted on communities right across the globe by these organised crime networks,” she added.

“Life is very cheap in their world, and you are causing that misery.

“That is something that we need to address in Cork and everywhere else.

“There are local drugs units in every division across the country, and they’re seizing drugs every day of the week – the local drugs unit here in Cork is very effective.” 

Executive director of MAOC(N), Sjoerd Top, said that those who attempt to traffic illicit drugs across international borders have “evil intentions”.

“[This case] shows that co-operation both nationally and internationally is crucial, and Ireland is an example to others on how to organise yourself well,” said Mr Top.

“I want to highlight the point that often gets less attention, but in my view was crucial in this case; Ireland was able to engage with the public and ask them to report strange behaviour and has been able to link local knowledge with intelligence from international partners.

“Tackling organised crime groups benefits from a resilient society where the public, police and customs are closely linked, and are not to be underestimated.

“We [MOAC(N)] were able to support Ireland with analysis on vessel movements, that clearly showed that those on board the MV Matthew had evil intentions,” he added.

“As a director of an international organisation, I am impressed by the Irish perseverance, the quality of the work and especially by the way the operation was shaped.” 

Other speakers at the briefing included Revenue commissioner, Ruth Kennedy; head of naval operations command, captain Darragh Kirwan; and director of organised and emerging crime with INTERPOL, David Caunter.