Sailing the high seize

BOAT PURCHASE LINKED TO €4M COCAINE HAUL AS NET CLOSES IN

GARDAI are probing whether the shocking discovery of €4 million worth of cocaine off the coast of Co Donegal is linked to a boat purchased in Co Louth.

Sources have told The Star that officers investigating the discovery of packages of cocaine along the north Donegal coastline last July now suspect it originated from a boat that was purchased in the Dundalk area.

This intel led officers from Donegal, assisted by Louth gardai, to carry out searches in the Dundalk area yesterday – as the net now closes in on a suspected drug-smuggling operation.

Several items have since been seized to another similar Beach.

It is now suspected that the drugs were due to be picked up at sea by a drug-smuggling gang after being dumped into the water for them.

A boat was later impounded at Magheraroarty in Donegal and the pier was then sealed off by officers to members of the public.

In a statement yesterday morning, gardai said: “Gardai in Milford continue to investigate all of the circumstances of the discovery of a number of packages along the north Donegal coastline that occurred on Wednesday, 19th July 2023. package at Tramore

“The packages, containing cocaine, weighed approximately 60kg with an estimated street value in excess of €4 million.

Locations

“This morning Donegal Gardai assisted by Louth Gardai have carried out searches at a number of locations in Dundalk.

“Items of potential evidential value to the investigation have been seized, including electronic devices and documents. No arrests have been made at this time.”

Gardai added that investigations in the case are ongoing.