Following a record-breaking drug seizure in Ireland, eight individuals are now set to stand trial at the Special Criminal Court on 13th January, 2025. This follows the capture of a Panamanian-registered freight vessel by an elite forces unit, resulting in the recovery of some 2.25 tonnes of cocaine, with a total estimated worth in excess of €157 million. The arrests occurred last year off the southeast coast of the country.
Defence barrister, Mark Lynam SC, described the case as particularly intricate. Prosecution representative John Berry BL stated an extensive amount of disclosure was already supplied by the prosecution. The matter was adjourned until the 21st of October to be discussed via video-link by Judge Tony Hunt, who also informed the accused that an early guilty plea will only be considered for leniency if it is submitted prior to the 13th of December.
The indicted individuals are Vitaliy Lapa (61), Mykhailo Gavryk (31), Vitaliy Vlasoi (31) – all from Ukraine; Jamie Harbron (31), a resident of the UK; Soheil Jelveh (49); Dutch national Cumali Ozgen (49); Iranian Saeid Hassani (38); and Harold Estoesta (30) from the Philippines. The specific charges against Jamie Harbron and Vitaliy Lapa relate to breaching Section 5 of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1977 by possessing drugs on Irish soil within the State between 24th and 26th September, 2023. In addition, Lapa is accused under Section 72 of the Criminal Justice Act 2006 for knowingly contributing to the operations of a criminal gang from 15th July to 25th September, which may have facilitated significant criminal activity.
The charges against Mr Harbron comprise of the same offences identified under Section 72, conducted in the period between September 21st and September 25th, 2023. Soheil Jelveh, Mykhailo Gavryk, Vitaliy Vlasoi, Harold Estoesta, Saeid Hassani and Cumali Ozgen are all similarly charged under Section 72. Additionally, these individuals are charged under the Criminal Justice (Illicit Traffic by Sea) Act 2003 and the Misuse of Drugs Act spanning dates from September 24th through to September 26th, inclusive.
On September 26th, 2023, a collaborated task force that included the Revenue Customs Service, Naval Service and An Garda Síochána apprehended and secured the MV Matthew vessel, which originated its course from South America. Following the successful securing of the vehicle by the Army Rangers, the Navy, the Garda National Drugs & Organised Crime Bureau and Revenue personnel were stationed on the cargo vessel and subsequently led it into harbour.
In the previous month, Ciara Vibien, the State solicitor, effectively requested for the eight men to have their cases presented at the non-jury court, which specialises in terrorism and organised crime-related malfeasances. The Special Criminal Court reserves the right to entertain unique cases if the Director of Public Prosecutions determines the regular law courts to be insufficient in guaranteeing effective justice administration and ensuring the maintenance of public peace and order.