International drug gangs have implemented a sophisticated new smuggling system along Ireland’s coast, with intelligence suggesting up to a tonne of drugs from a suspected ‘mothership’ off Kerry has already left the country.
The complex operation uses a “cell structure” where separate teams operate independently, communicating only through encrypted channels with external controllers. The system, which has emerged in the last 24 months, includes:
- Control Team: Based in locations like Dubai, overseeing operations remotely
- Boat Team: Departing from South America with drugs or collecting at sea
- Maritime Team: Coastal-based unit collecting drugs via RIBs from motherships
- Ground Team: Separate unit handling onshore collection and distribution
Security sources describe this as a “sophisticated” system used by top-tier global crime organizations, with similar operations identified across Western Europe to Denmark.
Recent developments in Kerry have highlighted these operations:
- Five men charged with alleged drug importation at Killarney District Court
- Two additional arrests on a cargo vessel in the Shannon Estuary
- Joint operation involving Gardaí, Customs, Naval Service, and Air Corps
According to The Irish Examiner, Irish authorities have identified specialized “all-Ireland” gangs offering ground team services, while law enforcement agencies across Europe continue to monitor and respond to this evolving threat to coastal security.
The suspects arrested in the Shannon Estuary, aged in their 30s and 40s, are being held under Section 50 of the Criminal Justice Act 2007 at Clare Garda stations for allegedly facilitating criminal organization activities.