Two arrested and people-smuggling probe launched as men found hiding in van on Rosslare-bound ferry

Arrests were made and a people-smuggling investigation has been launched by Gardaí in Wexford and Wicklow following the discovery of two men hiding on a ferry arriving in Rosslare.

The men were found hiding in a small commercial vehicle on the Rosslare-bound ferry in the early hours of Friday morning.

The two males 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.

Both men were in good health, and a garda spokesperson said the pair "received any necessary state supports".

Two other males in their 30s, the driver and a passenger in the van, were arrested by Gardaí for allegedly smuggling the men into Ireland.

Both arrested males were detained at a Garda Station in Wexford/ Wicklow Garda Division, and have since been released without charge, pending further investigations and the submission of a file to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.

"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," Gardaí said in a statement.

"Investigations will involve liaison with international counterparts".

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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