Attorneys representing the government have stated that the upkeep of the cargo ship, which was raided by the Army Rangers resulting in one of the largest drug confiscations in the history of Ireland, is costing a whopping €100,000 weekly and should be reduced in the forthcoming weeks.
John Berry SC, representing the Director of Public Prosecutions, informed the Special Criminal Court on Monday that there will be an application next month by the state to decree that the continuous conservation of the ship MV Matthew is no longer needed.
The state, till now, retained the vessel to safeguard fair trial rights of the eight men charged with the drug seizure offences. Mr Berry clarified that each legal team was informed they have permission to visit and examine the ship, and that Revenue agents will ensure its availability for the succeeding four weeks. He stated that the state does not intend to endure the €100,000 weekly maintenance expense beyond the given period.
The MV Matthew was dramatically seized by the Rangers, an elite branch of the Irish Defence Forces, in the month of September 2023. In collaboration with the customs agents, 2.2 tonnes of cocaine estimated to be worth around €157 million was seized. Mr Berry stated, in 2023, on November 19th, the ship was formally relinquished to the state.
The attorneys of each defendant confirmed that the ship was either already examined by them, or they will agree to do so before the given deadline if needed.
The matter was adjourned to November 4th by Mr Justice Kerida Naidoo, who presided over the three-judge court.
Moreover, Mr Berry told to the court that the trial of the eight men charged in relation to the drugs’ seizure is anticipated to span over four months, commencing in January. Previously, it was slated to be just for four weeks, but Mr Berry mentioned that the new timeline is more practical.
The eight defendants were present for today’s brief hearing through prison video-link.