An Irish court has ruled that the State can dispose of the MV Matthew, a cargo ship linked to one of the largest drug busts in the country’s history. The ship, seized in September 2023 with 2.2 tonnes of cocaine valued at €157 million, has cost the State €5.3 million in maintenance. Eight individuals are set to stand trial next year related to this case. The judge has allowed immediate steps toward disposal, with a stay of two weeks on the order and no objections from defence teams.