DUBLIN (Reuters) - Irish rangers made the country's biggest ever drugs seizure after a naval operation involving warning shots being fired at a Panamanian cargo vessel which had refused to follow instructions, authorities said on Wednesday.
The seizure of 2,253 kg (4,967 pounds) of cocaine worth an estimated 157 million euros ($166 million) came after members of the army ranger wing boarded the vessel off the country's southeast coast using ropes dropped from a helicopter in high winds.
"I cannot overemphasise the significance of this operation and the disruption that this is going to cause the organised criminal group behind the shipment," he told a press conference.
Kelly said the cocaine was partly destined for the Irish market and that the organised crime group comprised a number of different elements across Europe.
The operation was conducted in collaboration with a group comprising five other EU member states and Britain.
Persons:
Justin Kelly, Kelly, Padraic Halpin, David Holmes
Organizations:
DUBLIN, Reuters
Locations:
Panamanian, Panama, South America, Europe, Britain, Spain, Netherlands, Poland