MANILA, Philippines – The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) confirmed that a Filipino seafarer was convicted of attempting to smuggle illegal drugs to Ireland and is now serving 18 years in a jail in Dublin.
According to the DFA, he was apprehended last September 2023, along with five other crew members for attempting to smuggle 2.2 tonnes (2,200 kgs) of cocaine to Ireland, valued at EUR 157 million (PHP 10.4 billion), the largest haul in the country’s history.
“The OFW in question was sentenced to 18 years in prison for drug trafficking,” DFA Undersecretary Ed De Vega said.
“He was initially sentenced to 28 years and was allegedly the person managing communications with a Dubai-based crime group. This was reduced to 18 years for good behavior,” De Vega added.
De Vega did not name the Filipino seafarer involved in the case.
Reports said the Panamanian-flagged cargo vessel MV Matthew was intercepted off the Irish coast in September 2023.
According to Irish officials, the vessel departed from Curaçao, off the coast of Venezuela, and crossed the Atlantic before entering Irish territorial waters.
Reports also mentioned that the interception was carried out through a coordinated operation involving the Irish police (Gardaí), customs, and the Defence Forces.
A Dutch national onboard was arrested and received the longest sentence of 20 years, while other individuals were convicted, including two Ukrainians and two Iranian nationals, with sentences ranging from 13 to 17 years.
Meanwhile, the DFA assured the public that it is monitoring the case of the Filipino seafarer and is extending assistance to him.
“The Embassy's Assistance to Nationals (ATN) Officer attended the sentencing and was able to meet with his defense team,” De Vega stated.”
“The Embassy will provide updates as soon as they are received from OFW's side,” he added.
