Pinoy seafarer, 7 others, convicted in Ireland for smuggling €157M worth of cocaine —DFA

Pinoy convicted in Ireland for smuggling €157M worth of cocaine —DFA
MICHAELA DEL CALLAR July 28, 2025 https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/pinoyabroad/dispatch/953984/pinoy-convic...

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Monday confirmed that a Filipino seafarer was sentenced to 18 years in prison for his alleged role in smuggling huge quantities of cocaine in 2023.
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Reports said the Filipino, along with seven others, was convicted by the Irish Special Criminal Court for attempting to bring in 2.2 tons of cocaine valued at €157 million into Ireland.

"We got confirmation from our embassy. The original sentence was for 28 years but it was lowered to 18 on account of good behavior," said DFA Undersecretary Ed De Vega, who did not identify the Filipino.

It was the second-highest sentence, next to a Dutch national, who received 20 years.

De Vega said the Philippine embassy in Dublin is providing consular assistance to the Filipino and is in touch with his defense team, which is planning its next legal steps

Panamanian-flagged cargo ship MV Matthew was intercepted by an elite unit from the Irish Army Rangers off the Irish coast in September 2023.

The vessel originated from Curaçao in Venezuela and was blocked by authorities upon entering Irish territorial waters. It was the largest cocaine seizure by Ireland to date.

Other six crew members of the MV Matthew were given sentences ranging from 13.5 to 17.5 years. —VAL, GMA Integrated News