Gardai launch people smuggling investigation after two men found in vehicle on ferry in Rosslare

Gardaí said in a statement that both men were in good health and received any necessary state supports

Two men have been arrested after two males were discovered hiding in a vehicle on a ferry that arrived into Rosslare Europort in Wexford.

Gardaí in the Wexford/ Wicklow Garda Division have commenced a people smuggling investigation after the two men were found hiding in a small commercial vehicle that arrived in the port in the early hours of Friday morning, October 11.

The two men were discovered by the ship’s crew during the voyage and Gardaí were alerted in advance of the arrival of the vessel to Rosslare Europort. Gardaí said in a statement that both men were in good health and received any necessary state supports.

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All circumstances of the incident are being investigated by Gardaí attached to the Immigration Unit, Rosslare Port, supported by the Serious Crime Hub, Wexford/ Wicklow Garda Division and in liaison with international counterparts.

Two men, the driver and a passenger in the van, both in their 30s, were arrested by Gardaí for an alleged offence under the Criminal Justice (Smuggling of Persons) Act, 2021. Both men were detained at a Garda Station in Wexford/ Wicklow Garda Division under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984. They have been 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 this incident is asked to contact Wexford Garda Station 053-9165200, the Garda Confidential Line 1800 666 111 or any Garda Station.

In a statement, An Garda Síochána said “An Garda Síochána in Wexford / Wicklow Garda Division have commenced a people smuggling investigation following the discovery of 2 males hiding in a small commercial vehicle travelling on a ferry arriving in Rosslare Europort in the early hours of Friday 11th October 2024.

“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. Both males were in good health and received any necessary state supports.

“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 this incident. Investigations will involve liaison with international counterparts.

“Two males (in their 30s), the driver and a passenger in the van, were arrested by Gardaí for an alleged offence under the Criminal Justice (Smuggling of Persons) Act, 2021.Both males were detained at a Garda Station in Wexford/ Wicklow Garda Division under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984.Both males have been 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 this incident is asked to contact Wexford Garda Station 053-9165200, the Garda Confidential Line 1800 666 111 or any Garda Station.”

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