Filipino Seafarer jailed in Ireland for role in €157-M cocaine smuggling case
Harold Estoesta was among eight men convicted in connection with the drug trafficking operation involving the Panamanian-flagged cargo vessel MV Matthew, which was intercepted off the Irish coast in September 2023.
Authorities said it was the largest cocaine seizure in Irish history.
According to Irish officials, the vessel departed from Curaçao, off the coast of Venezuela, and crossed the Atlantic before entering Irish territorial waters. The interception was carried out through a coordinated operation involving the Irish police (Gardaí), customs, and the Defence Forces.
An elite unit from the Army Ranger Wing boarded the ship in rough sea conditions after the Irish Navy pursued the vessel as it attempted to evade capture.
Dutch national Cumali Ozgen received the longest sentence of 20 years. Other individuals convicted included two Ukrainian and two Iranian nationals, with sentences ranging from 13.5 to 17.5 years.
Two other men, initially rescued from a separate trawler believed to be preparing to rendezvous with the MV Matthew, were also sentenced in connection with the case.
The court said the operation was linked to a transnational drug cartel with significant resources and global reach. Authorities added that the cartel operated using a cell structure designed to continue operations even if one part was disrupted.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Filipino Times
3 days ago
- Filipino Times
11 Filipino Gym Workers in Netherlands File Labor Abuse Case Against Employer
Eleven Filipino workers of a fitness center in the Netherlands have lodged a complaint against their Dutch employer over alleged labor violations, the Philippine Embassy in The Hague confirmed. The Filipinos, employed as cleaners for the Saints and Stars gym in Amsterdam, filed the joint complaint along with Indonesian co-workers before the Netherlands Labor Authority, citing harsh working conditions. They are being assisted by pro bono Dutch lawyers in the case and in the planned filing of criminal charges against the company's owners and managers. According to the embassy, the workers sought assistance in July and were provided temporary shelter in Amsterdam. They reported being made to work up to 17 hours daily without beds or heating at various gym branches from May to June 2025. Due to privacy rules, the workers' names have not been disclosed, but the embassy assured they are in safe condition. Officials said the gym's accountant was arrested on July 24 for suspected document forgery. Saints and Stars is not accredited by the Department of Migrant Workers Affairs in Manila for hiring Filipinos abroad. The Philippine Embassy said it will continue coordinating with Dutch authorities to monitor the case, ensure complaints are addressed, and safeguard the welfare of Filipinos in the Netherlands.
Filipino Times
6 days ago
- Filipino Times
Pinay mistaken as ‘suman' vendor in Dubai; post draws laughs from netizens
A Filipino resident in Dubai drew laughs online after sharing a hilarious and all-too-relatable moment: she was mistaken for a 'suman' vendor while simply resting inside a mall with her grocery bags. In a post on the 'Food Trip UAE' Facebook group, a user named Arbi said she had just sat down to rest from carrying heavy shopping bags when a fellow Filipino approached her and asked, 'Te may suman?' 'Nangyari na yung kinakatakutan ko… Umupo ako saglit sa may mall kasi nga ang bigat ng dala ko, tapos lumapit si Kabayan sakin…,' she wrote in her caption. 'Kaya ayoko magbibitbit nyan eh.' She was referring to the two plastic bags and one eco bag filled with snack items, as seen in the photo. Arbi clarified that the contents were chocolate bars she had purchased at a discounted price from a nearby supermarket. Netizens were quick to relate with some saying they had been mistaken for vendors too, while others recalled being approached by people selling items in public places like metro and bus stations. Some even jokingly asked if she also had balut , mani , or chicharon —items commonly sold by roaming vendors. While the post was clearly shared in jest, it served as a timely reminder: selling goods in public spaces without a valid license is prohibited in the UAE. Authorities continue to warn the public against buying food or items from unregulated vendors due to potential health risks. Under the UAE Food Safety Law, anyone caught selling unregulated food can be jailed for at least 3 months and/or fined up to AED 2 million. As of writing, the post has gained 8.2K reactions, 270 comments, and 144 shares.
Filipino Times
06-08-2025
- Filipino Times
Filipino tourist killed in Hong Kong taxi accident
A 35-year-old Filipino tourist died after being hit by a taxi in Tsuen Wan West, Hong Kong, the Philippine Consulate General confirmed on Wednesday. An 11-second video released by local media showed the taxi crashing into the victim and pinning him against a column as he was exiting a hotel with his luggage. Reports said the 80-year-old taxi driver lost control of the vehicle after feeling dizzy. He is currently in police custody. The victim's remains are at the Kwai Chung Public Mortuary. The Philippine Consulate General said it is coordinating with local authorities to investigate the incident and is assisting the victim's family, who are expected to arrive in Hong Kong to arrange the repatriation of the remains. The Department of Foreign Affairs expressed its condolences and said it is closely monitoring the case. Related Articles
