Filipino Among Eight Jailed in Ireland’s Largest-Ever Cocaine Seizure

A Filipino national has been sentenced to 18 years in prison for his role in Ireland’s biggest-ever cocaine seizure, which involved an international drug smuggling ring and the interception of a cargo vessel carrying 2.2 tonnes of cocaine worth over €157 million (₱9.6 billion or $171 million).

Harold Estoesta, a crew member aboard the Panama-flagged cargo ship MV Matthew, was among eight mensentenced by Ireland’s non-jury Special Criminal Court for their involvement in the smuggling operation uncovered in September 2023.

Estoesta was one of six men found on board the MV Matthew when the Irish Navy and elite Army Rangers executed a daring mid-sea interception off the country’s southern coast, in stormy conditions. Authorities said the vessel had sailed from Curaçao, off Venezuela, and was preparing to offload its cargo in Ireland as part of a coordinated drug drop.

During the court proceedings, Estoesta pleaded guilty to possession of cocaine for sale or supply, a charge that carries severe penalties under Irish law. He was identified as one of the individuals who helped store and manage the massive consignment of drugs while the ship crossed the Atlantic Ocean.

Judge Tara Burns said the attempted importation was a “highly sophisticated international operation” linked to a cartel with “unlimited resources and global reach.” She cited Estoesta’s cooperation with investigators as a factor in determining his sentence, but emphasized the gravity of the crime.

A Life-Changing Turn

Little is publicly known about Estoesta’s background, but his sentencing marks a significant low point for the Filipino seafarer, whose involvement in one of Europe’s largest drug shipments now ties him to a transnational criminal enterprise. His 18-year sentence is one of the longest ever handed down to a Filipino involved in a drug case abroad.

The Philippine government has yet to release a statement, but migrant support groups have expressed concern over the vulnerability of overseas workers being exploited by global crime syndicates.

A Historic Seizure

The operation that led to Estoesta’s arrest has been described as one of the most daring anti-drug missions in Irish history. Irish Army Rangers abseiled onto the MV Matthew from a helicopter after the ship attempted evasive maneuvers in worsening sea conditions.

The multi-agency operation included the Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau, Irish Customs, and Irish Naval Service.

Authorities say the seizure has dealt a major blow to international drug networks using Ireland as a gateway into the European market.