On July 30, 2025, it was reported that a Filipino seafarer has received an 18-year prison sentence for his involvement in a cocaine smuggling operation in Ireland. The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) confirmed the conviction but withheld the identity of the overseas Filipino worker (OFW).
The OFW was apprehended in September 2023, along with five other crew members of the Panamanian-flagged vessel MV Matthew, which was accused of attempting to smuggle 2.2 tons of cocaine into Ireland. This incident marked the largest cocaine seizure in the country’s history.
Initially, the OFW faced a 28-year sentence and was described as managing communications with a Dubai-based crime ring. However, his sentence was reduced to 18 years due to good behavior during his time in detention. The Philippine embassy in Dublin reported that they are providing consular assistance to the OFW and that an officer attended the court session to meet with his lawyers.
The other crew members received sentences ranging from 17 years to longer periods, emphasizing the serious nature of drug trafficking offenses in Ireland. The MV Matthew had previously been under surveillance by the Irish Navy, backed by intelligence from international agencies, including the US Drug Enforcement Administration, prior to its interception off the Irish coast.