It is 'impossible to estimate how much damage and destruction' had been caused by the importation of such a large quantity of cocaine, Judge Karen O’Connor said. File photograph: Dave MeehanThe Special Criminal Court has jailed seven cocaine smugglers for terms between 10½ years and 12 years, with the presiding judge saying she must impose a “significant deterrent” to international criminal operations that use Ireland’s coastline to import drugs, causing immeasurable damage. The judge said the circumstances of the case indicated the operation was planned by an international drugs cartel operating at a very high level. All seven entered guilty pleas that on dates between December 18th, 2024, and January 15th, 2025, both within and outside the State, they did conspire with others to import into the State drugs in excess of €13,000. The three-judge court imposed a sentence of 10½ on Costello, Watson, Lao, Ampo and Pangahin.

Source: The Irish Times March 24, 2026 00:54 UTC