People smuggling investigation launched in South East
Gardaí were alerted prior to the ship arriving into Rosslare
The Gardaí have begun a people smuggling investigation following the discovery of two males hiding in a small commercial vehicle.
The discovery of the two men was made after the vehicle in which they were hiding arrived onboard a ferry into Rosslare Europort in the early hours of Friday, October 11.
Members from the Wexford/ Wicklow Garda Division are investigating the incident with a spokesperson for the Gardaí telling Waterford News & Star that the discovery of the two males was made by the ship's crew during the voyage.
"The two males were discovered by the ship’s crew during the voyage and An Garda Síochána were alerted in advance of the arrival of the vessel to Rosslare Europort," said the spokesperson.
"Both males were in good health and received any necessary state supports," she added.
The spokesperson went on to say that Gardaí attached to the Immigration Unit, Rosslare Port, supported by the Serious Crime Hub, Wexford/ Wicklow Garda Division are investigating all of the circumstances of the incident and the investigations will involve liaisoning with international counterparts.
The driver and passenger in the van - two males, in their 30s - were arrested by Gardaí for an alleged offence under the Criminal Justice (Smuggling of Persons) Act, 2021. They were both detained at a Garda Station in Wexford/Wicklow Garda Division under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984.
However, both were later released without charge, pending further investigations and the submission of a file to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions. Anyone with any information in relation to the incident is asked to contact Wexford Garda Station on 053 9165200, the Garda Confidential Line 1800 666 111 or any Garda Station.
