The seizure of drugs by the LÉ William Butler Yeats highlights a touch of poetic justice. This combined operation by the garda and military off the coast of Cork strikes a blow against global criminals who profit from exploiting drug users.
If these drugs originated from South American cartels, they were destined for equally sinister crime gangs in our own country.
These peddlers of death now hold significant influence in the international narcotics underworld.
Those who use drugs unwittingly contribute to this vicious cycle, but it is truly demonic to create a desperate need and then mercilessly exploit those who succumb to it. Assistant Garda Commissioner Justin Kelly confirmed that organized crime groups in Ireland, the UK, and Europe played a role in this record-breaking seizure, which may be valued at up to €500m.
“There’s no large shipment like this coming into our ports or transiting our country without an Irish criminal group involved,” he added.
The Irish coast has long been known as the “cocaine highway” due to the ease with which illegal drugs can be smuggled to criminals.
The seizure is a significant achievement and a victory for intelligence-led operations, but we must not ignore the flaws in our system.
Former Deputy Leader of the Army Ranger Wing and current Independent TD Cathal Berry highlights the ongoing issue of drug smuggling in Irish waters.
The Naval Service has eight vessels, but lack of crew due to recruitment and retention issues means only two can be manned.
“It’s well known at this stage that Irish territorial waters are notoriously unprotected,” Mr. Berry told RTÉ. Lieutenant General Seán Clancy, Chief of Staff of the Irish Defence Forces, rightly praised the “courage, discipline, and professionalism” of everyone involved in the seizure.
If we want to continue these successes, the Defence Forces and An Garda Síochána must receive the necessary resources. In the words of Seneca: “He who does not prevent a crime when he can, encourages it.”
There is ample evidence that criminals will stop at nothing. With this in mind, there can be no question about the extent to which the State is willing to go to stop them.
Denial of responsibility! Vigour Times is an automatic aggregator of Global media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, and all materials to their authors. For any complaint, please reach us at – [email protected]. We will take necessary action within 24 hours.
