Man released in inquiry into Ireland's biggest drugs seizure

Army on board vesselPA

The drugs were believed to be bound for Ireland and other parts of Europe

At a glance

  • More than two tonnes of cocaine was found on board a cargo ship off County Cork, in the Republic of Ireland, on Tuesday

  • It is the largest drugs seizure in the history of the state, according to Irish police

  • A total of eight people have now been arrested

  • One man was released without charge on Saturday

One man arrested over the largest drugs seizure in the Republic of Ireland's history has been released without charge.

Officials recovered 2,253kg of cocaine after a Panamanian-registered cargo ship, MV Matthew, was stormed by armed forces and impounded on Tuesday.

The cocaine has an estimated street value of €157m (£136m).

A total of eight people have been arrested to date.

However, five people are currently being detained by Gardaí (Irish police) at police stations.

Two other men appeared in court on Friday, charged with conspiracy to import drugs.

Gardaí said investigations are ongoing and further updates will follow.

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