Eight men have been jailed for their roles in attempting to smuggle 2.2 tonnes of cocaine worth over €157 million (£135 million) into Ireland. The drugs were seized in September 2023 after a joint operation between the Irish police, customs, and Defence Forces making it Ireland’s largest-ever cocaine seizure.
The men, part of an international operation, received sentences ranging from 13.5 to 20 years. Six of the men were on board the Panamanian-registered bulk carrier, MV Matthew.
Dutch national Cumali Ozgen received the highest sentence of 20 years, while Filipino Harold Estoesta was sentenced to 18 years. Iranian Soheil Jelveh, the captain of the vessel, was jailed for 17.5 years.
According to reports, Ozgen was known as “Jimmy” and was “the eyes and ears of the criminal organisation” while on board the ship. He admitted to loading crates of drugs onto the ship and attempting to burn them when pursued by the Irish Navy. Ozgen claimed he was promised €50,000 to €100,000 if the smuggling operation was successful but received nothing.
The court heard that the attempted importation of the drugs was part of the activity of a cartel with international reach and unlimited resources. Judge Melanie Greally cited the “exceptional and egregious” scale of the operation, the organised-crime links, and the potential harm of such a large quantity of cocaine in imposing the stiff sentences.
The MV Matthew had departed from Curacao, off the coast of Venezuela, and sailed across the Atlantic before arriving in Irish territorial waters. The ship was boarded by the Army Rangers in a daring operation conducted in treacherous weather conditions at sea.
The crew had been instructed to continue their course towards a safe port in Sierra Leone despite multiple warnings from the Irish Navy, including warning shots fired from the LE William Butler Yeats.
Two other men, Ukrainian national Vitaliy Lapa and UK national Jamie Harbron, who were initially rescued from a trawler that ran aground while preparing to rendezvous with the MV Matthew, were also sentenced. Lapa received 14.5 years, while Harbron was jailed for 13.5 years.
Detective Superintendent Joe O’Reilly from An Garda Siochana said the sentences provide a “clear message” that Ireland is “not a soft target” for international organised crime networks. He added that the full force of the Irish state, supported by international partners, is against those involved in drug trafficking, emphasizing that the reality facing them includes security interdictions, special investigations, lengthy sentences, and asset seizure.
The operation was praised by the court as a demonstration of the capability of Ireland’s joint maritime-security agencies. The sentences handed down reflect the seriousness of the offense and the commitment of the Irish authorities to combat drug trafficking.