A 30-year-old sailor has been charged in connection with the seizure of 2.2 tonnes of cocaine with an estimated street value of over €157 million from the Panamanian registered bulk carrier MV Matthew off the coast of Cork last month.
Harold Estoesta appeared before a sitting of Midleton District Court in Co Cork on Thursday morning.
He was charged with conspiracy to possess and supply controlled substances, namely cocaine. The alleged offence is in contravention of the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2017 and Section 5 and 15A of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1977.
The Filipino national was arrested on September 27th onboard the MV Matthew and was subsequently questioned at Cobh Garda station under Section 50 of the Criminal Justice Act.
Evidence of arrest charge and caution was shared with the court by Garda Redmond O’Leary of the Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau, who said he charged Mr Estoesta at 5.05pm on Wednesday, October 4th at Cobh Garda station.
The Garda said, when charged under caution, Mr Estoesta replied: “I believed that I just followed the orders of my seniors. I was also tricked and informed that there were spare parts. I wish to defend myself against an accusation. I believe I am innocent and deserve to be free.”
A statement of means was supplied to the court and the issue of legal aid will be addressed at a later date.
Solicitor for the accused, Aidan Desmond, asked that his client be allowed to meet with his consular officials, to which Judge Colm Roberts agreed.
Garda Majella O’Sullivan made an application that Mr Estoesta be remanded in custody until October 10th to appear before Mallow District Court by video link. Judge Roberts remanded the man in custody until his next court appearance.
Bail cannot be applied for at the District Court-level in a case of this nature.
Seven other men have been charged in connection with the same seizure, which is the biggest drugs haul in the history of the State.
Four men appeared before Mallow District Court on Tuesday where they were charged with conspiring with others to possess over €13,000 worth of cocaine within the State with intent to supply it to others.
The captain of the MV Matthew was charged with three offences on Monday and appeared before Wexford District Court where he was charged with possession of cocaine, possession of cocaine for sale or supply, and importing cocaine with a street value in excess of €13,000.
Last Friday, two men were also charged at Waterford District Court with conspiracy to import drugs.
The men were all remanded in custody to appear in court on various dates later this month.
