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19th Aug 2018

Cocaine with potential value of €10 million destined for Ireland seized in Costa Rica

Kate Demolder

The drugs were concealed in a cargo of fruit.

An investigation has been launched following the overseas discovery of a significant amount of cocaine which was destined for Ireland.

The Garda National Drugs & Organised Crime Bureau (GNDOCB) is undertaking the investigation with a significant international dimension arising from the seizure.

The drugs were seized on Tuesday 14 August at Moin Port (Puerto Moín) in Limón, Costa Rica by the Drug Control Police (PCD) of the Ministry of Public Security.

133kgs of cocaine – with an estimated street value of €10 million – was concealed in a cargo of fruit which was destined for Ireland.

The drugs were discovered in a container on board a ship named Polar Chile.

Assistant Commissioner John O’Driscoll, Special Crime Operations (SCO) confirmed involvement on the part of An Garda Síochána and Customs & Revenue in the investigation which aims to determine the role of criminals based in Ireland.

Another main objective of the investigation is to find out details of the attempted importation to Ireland of the cocaine which has been seized.

The Assistant Commissioner stated that, in order to target criminal activity being engaged by international crime groups such as this one, it is essential that international law enforcement organisations remain in intense communication.