Filipino Seafarer Gets 18 Years in Ireland’s Record Cocaine Bust

Harold Estoesta (Image courtesy of Wave Watchers FB page)

Filipino Seafarer Gets 18 Years in Ireland’s Record Cocaine Bust

By Bing Jabadan – TheNationWeek.Com l July 29, 2025

DUBLIN, Ireland – A Filipino seafarer has been sentenced to 18 years in prison for his involvement in the smuggling of 2.2 tons of cocaine.

The haul, valued at 157 million euros, represented one of Ireland’s largest drug seizures aboard a ship, sending shockwaves through the maritime industry. The conviction of Harold Estoesta, 31, highlighted the vulnerability of maritime professionals to exploitation by sophisticated criminal networks and underscored the growing concern over the use of commercial vessels for illicit activities.

The M/V Mathew, a 190-meter Panamanian-registered ship, was on its way to Poland from Curacao when it was intercepted by the Irish Navy.

The vessel, formerly MV Honmon, began its journey in August 2023.

Authorities suspected that the ship was part of a meticulously planned operation coordinated by a Dubai-based criminal syndicate.

On Sept. 5, 2023, while navigating Venezuelan waters, the MV Mathew allegedly loaded a cocaine shipment and concealed it with other cargo.

The crew, according to reports, was deliberately distracted during the loading process.

The plan involved a rendezvous with a smaller vessel, the Castlemore, off the Irish coast to transfer the drugs.

However, bad weather and mechanical failures prevented the transfer, stranding the illicit cargo onboard.

A Seafarer’s Betrayal

As second officer, Estoesta was responsible for the ship’s navigation and communication.

Despite receiving orders from Irish authorities to steer toward Cork Harbor, he allegedly attempted to navigate the vessel into international waters, raising suspicions and triggering a swift response.

Evidence presented in court revealed that Estoesta was in direct communication with a criminal organization and was fully aware of the illegal nature of the cargo.

He also reportedly attempted to destroy evidence by burning the drug shipment as Irish Army Rangers boarded the vessel.

Irish Navy Intervention, International Cooperation

On Sept. 26, 2023, the Irish Navy, acting on intelligence from international agencies, including the United States Drug Enforcement Administration, intercepted the MV Mathew off the Irish coast.

After the vessel ignored stop orders, the Navy fired warning shots, prompting a daring helicopter operation by Irish Army Rangers to secure the ship.

“The successful interception of the MV Mathew was a testament to international cooperation and the vigilance of our law enforcement agencies,” said a spokesperson for the Irish Department of Justice.

“This case demonstrates our unwavering commitment to combating transnational crime and protecting our borders.”

Justice Served, Lessons Learned

Aside from Estoesta, Dutch national Cumali Ozgen, the operation’s mastermind, was sentenced to 20 years in prison.

Other crew members, including two Ukrainians, two Iranians, and a British national, received sentences ranging from 13.5 to 17.5 years.

The case has ignited a debate within the maritime industry about the need for enhanced security measures, more rigorous vetting processes for seafarers, and improved training to help them identify and resist involvement in criminal activities.

“This incident serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by the maritime industry in combating drug trafficking,” said maritime consultant Capt. Oscar Blake.

Blake cited the need to empower seafarers with the knowledge and resources to protect themselves and their vessels from exploitation by criminal organizations.