52 minutes agoShareSaveAdd as preferred on GoogleNiall GlynnBBC News NI
BBCA ship detained at Cork port since 2.2 tonnes of cocaine worth an estimated €157m (£133.5m) was seized on it in September 2023 has finally left the harbour.
Managing and maintaining the MV Matthew since then has cost the Irish state around €17m.
The 28,000-tonne Panama-registered freighter could not be disposed of until December 2024 as it was needed for evidential purposes.
An international shipping company later acquired the vessel for a nominal price of $1 with an agreement to tow the vessel to Varna in Bulgaria.
PA MediaThe Republic of Ireland’s Revenue service confirmed its departure on Saturday.
While berthed at Cork the costs included maintaining engine, electrical and ventilation systems.
Eight men were jailed for a total of 129 years last summer in connection with the record drugs seizure.
Drugs tradeSmugglingRepublic of Ireland
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