Foynes Port: Two Gardaí Police Drug Smuggling Hub, €65M Cocaine Seized

Foynes Port, a known hub for international drug trafficking from South America and suspected people trafficking, is policed by only two Gardaí, who rarely work together due to rosters. The Shannon estuary's coves and inlets are identified as major vulnerabilities for drug smuggling, with security agencies mapping potential drop-off points.

Recent seizures include €21 million worth of cocaine from the MV Verila and €44 million from the MV Royal. Drug traffickers are suspected of collecting drugs left to float from passing ships in the estuary. While other uniformed Gardaí are in nearby Glin and Askeaton, they operate solo, covering vast areas and responding to calls.

Senior security sources indicate Garda organized crime operations rely on centralized intelligence for dedicated drug units. A local "Coastal Watch" initiative encourages public reporting of suspicions. An Garda Síochána, Customs, and Irish Defence Forces intelligence personnel are concerned about smuggling by international drug trafficking gangs, who exploit cargo routes, including bauxite shipments to Aughinish Alumina, though the factory and its employees are not implicated.

Revenue Customs has a small team at Foynes Port, focusing on cargo rather than people. A lack of permanent immigration presence raises concerns about unchecked individuals disembarking ships. While a route for cattle vessels from North Africa, previously exploited by people traffickers, has ended, fears persist that small groups could still arrive and vanish. Gardaí state resources are deployed to Foynes as needed, including Divisional Drugs Unit members, and deny awareness of human trafficking, recommending the Coast Watch system.