Busted! Irish Businessman Caught With €10.6M Cocaine In Hidden Truck Compartment

A 61-year-old man from Co Waterford, Ireland, has been denied bail after being charged with possession of €10.6 million worth of cocaine. Michael Murphy, a transport manager at Herriot Haulage Limited, was arrested as part of an intelligence-led operation conducted by the Irish authorities.

Massive Drug Seizure Uncovered

Detective Garda Sean Lane of Waterford Garda Station informed the court that Murphy was apprehended on March 18 following a targeted investigation. Initially, a search of his vehicle did not reveal any contraband. However, when the truck and trailer were taken to Dublin Port for further inspection, an X-ray scan revealed an anomaly within the refrigerated unit.

A subsequent deep search, aided by the stolen motor vehicle investigation unit and the dog unit, uncovered a sophisticated hydraulic concealment system. Authorities discovered 152 kg of cocaine, verified by Science Foundation Ireland, along with mobile phones, tools, bags, and GPS tracking devices—some of which were located near the hidden compartment.

Investigators suspect the cocaine was transported from Spain to Ireland on behalf of multiple organized crime groups.

Advanced Counter-Surveillance Equipment Discovered

During additional searches, authorities found a high-tech portable signal jammer, commonly used for counter-surveillance purposes. The device, described as a military-grade tool, was reportedly used to aid criminal operations, making it highly unusual for an ordinary civilian to possess.

Court Proceedings and Bail Refusal

Murphy appeared before a special sitting of Gorey District Court wearing a black hooded fleece, black pants, and brown shoes. He was formally charged with possession of cocaine and possession with intent to sell or supply. In response to the charges, he stated, “I understand the charge.”

His solicitor, Chris Hogan, argued for bail, emphasizing Murphy’s strong ties to Ireland. Hogan stated that his client, a widower with five children, was a businessman with local employees and ongoing business ventures.

However, Detective Garda Lane opposed bail, citing Murphy’s potential international connections. Despite Hogan’s argument that his client posed no flight risk, Judge Kevin Staunton ruled against bail due to the severity of the charges and the significant quantity of drugs seized.

Murphy has been remanded in custody and will appear via video link at Waterford District Court on Tuesday. He retains the right to appeal the bail decision.