The care and maintenance of the alleged drug trafficking ship the MV Matthew in Cork has cost the State €5.3 million over the past 12 months.
The Panamanian bulk carrier was seized on 26 September 2023 following a dramatic inter-agency operation, involving members of the Army Ranger wing, off the south east coast.
On board, gardaí and Revenue Customs officers allegedly found 2.2 tonnes of cocaine worth an estimated €157 million.
Since its seizure, the ship has remained tied up at the Port of Cork's Marino Point berth, shifting occasionally to Passage West to facilitate other ship deliveries.
In a statement issued, Revenue confirmed that the total costs associated with the care and management of the MV Matthew, up to the end of last month, is around €5.3 million.
Under the provisions of the Customs Act 2015, the ship was seized by an Officer of Customs on 19 October 2023 following the alleged seizure of drugs on board.
"The vessel is now forfeit to the Revenue Commissioners. A number of individuals are the subject of legal proceedings being taken by An Garda Síochána and the MV Matthew is an exhibit in those proceedings.
"It is the Revenue's intention to dispose of the vessel as soon as the legal position allows. In the meantime, the MV Matthew remains under the care and management of Revenue, as the seizing authority".
In June, eight men charged in connection with the seizure were given a trial date of 13 January 2025 at the Special Criminal Court.
