UK man pleads guilty to drug charge after record €157 million cocaine seizure

A UK national, Jamie Harbron, has pleaded guilty to a drug offence linked to a record cocaine seizure from a Panamanian cargo ship in September 2023. The seizure involved 2.25 tonnes of cocaine valued at over €157 million. Harbron, 31, admitted to attempting to possess cocaine for sale or supply. He faces additional charges related to organized crime. Seven other men charged in the case are set to go on trial in January. The MV Matthew, the ship involved, was seized by a joint task force in Irish waters. The State is now starting to dispose of the vessel after maintaining it at a cost of €100,000 per week. Harbron remains in custody pending sentencing.