Moroccan Man Remanded in Custody Over €3.74m Cocaine Seizure at Rosslare Europort
A Moroccan national has been remanded in custody after appearing in court in connection with a major Cocaine seizure at Rosslare Europort valued at approximately €3.74 million.
The accused, Semion Stegar (41), appeared before Waterford District Court charged with possession of cocaine for sale or supply, contrary to the Misuse of Drugs Acts. The court heard that the drugs were discovered during a targeted search by Revenue officers at the busy Wexford port in the days leading up to Christmas.
According to the prosecution, approximately 55.3 kilograms of suspected Cocaine were found concealed within the exhaust system of a vehicle that had arrived into Ireland on a ferry from France. The operation was part of an intelligence led inspection involving Revenue officials and An Garda Síochána, using profiling techniques, detector dogs and scanning equipment.
The estimated street value of the seized drugs was placed at €3.74 million, making it one of the more significant port seizures in recent months and underscoring the continued use of Irish ports as entry points for international drug trafficking operations.
During the brief court appearance, an interpreter was provided for Mr Stegar. No application for bail was made. Gardaí indicated that a file is being prepared for the Director of Public Prosecutions, and the case was adjourned to allow for directions from the DPP.
Mr Stegar was remanded in custody to appear before Wexford District Court on 12 January 2026.
Gardaí confirmed that investigations are ongoing, including inquiries into the origin, intended destination, and potential wider criminal network associated with the shipment. No further arrests have been announced at this stage.
Rosslare Europort has become an increasingly important focus for Revenue and Garda operations in recent years, particularly since Brexit altered freight and passenger traffic routes between Ireland and continental Europe. Authorities have repeatedly stated that organised crime groups continue to adapt their methods, including sophisticated concealment techniques, in attempts to evade detection.
This latest seizure forms part of a broader strategy by Irish authorities to disrupt the supply chains of organised crime groups and prevent large quantities of illegal drugs from reaching communities across the country.
Aaron Joyce
Newswire, L.T.T Media
Newsdesk
29 December 2025
