€30m drug bust arrests during high seas chase is a credit to our security forces – O’Donovan

West Cork Fine Gael Senator Noel O’Donovan and former member of An Garda Síochána has commended the work of local and national units of the force as well as the Naval Service and Air Corps in a major drugs bust today.

Two men were arrested and an estimate €30m worth of cocaine was seized following a major security operation off the West Cork coast which involved suspected individuals attempting to flee from the patrolling navy in a rigid hulled inflatable boat (PHIB).

“Early indications say this operation was under surveillance for the last number of days so that is a testament to all involved for their professionalism and success in combating the importation of drugs into this country and it’s further transportation,” Senator O’Donovan said.

“This is a significant detection – the biggest drug bust in the country this year.

“In West Cork, we are well aware how narcotics can be smuggled into this country and the European continent.

“All involved in this operation – An Garda Síochána, Naval Service, Air Corps – have worked extremely well together and shown their capabilities in taking on evil criminal gangs and international drug smugglers.

‘This capture highlights again the increased need for further Garda resources in West Cork – more Gardai patrolling our rural areas prevents and deters criminal activity.

“And indeed further investment in our Naval Service and Air Corp to continue this good work and combat criminality. I will be working with all, including Tánaiste and Defence Minister Simon Harris, to progress this,” Senator O’Donovan said.