Businessman, 61, charged after €10.6m cocaine seizure in Ireland

Michael Murphy, a 61-year-old businessman, appeared before Gorey District Court charged with possession and intent to supply over €10.6 million worth of cocaine. The cocaine, totaling 152 kilograms, was discovered in a sophisticated hidden compartment within a truck that had been stopped by Gardaí on the M9 in Co Kilkenny. The compartment featured a hydraulic system for concealment, which required specialized scanning equipment for its detection. Murphy's solicitor applied for bail, which was opposed by the prosecution citing the seriousness of the charges. Additionally, a military-grade signal jammer was found during searches related to the operation, suggesting potential counter-surveillance measures were employed. The operation involved various units, including the National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau and the Revenue Customs Service.