THE Co Clare drugs seizure is the latest in a series of such finds off the south west coast.
On September 28th last, a converted Norwegian trawler, the Sea Mist, arrived at Cobh, Co Cork, seeking shelter during a storm. It was found to be carrying up to 600 kg of cocaine, valued at £190 million at street prices. The vessel had come from Venezuela and is believed to have been en route for France.
At Moneypoint, Co Clare, on August 14th last, 50 kg of cocaine was found on a coal ship, the Front Guider. It had docked at the ESB jetty at Moneypoint with a cargo of coal for the power station there.
In September, 1995, 180 kg of cannabis resin was caught in trawler fishing nets off Hook Head, Co Wexford. It had apparently been left on the sea bed by an ocean going vessel for later collection by coastal craft.
In February, 1995, a 20kg bale of cocaine was found washed ashore at Fanore beach, Co Clare.
In July, 1994, a tonne of cannabis resin was found near Ballyconneely, Co Galway.
One of the best known smuggling operations was in July, 1993, when the yacht, Brime, was intercepted by the LE Orla eight miles off Loop Head, and two tonnes of cannabis resin, valued at up to £20 million, was seized. Four men were later convicted in connection with the find. A fifth man was questioned but released. He is now on drugs charges abroad accused of involvement in a separate smuggling operation.