Ardee alleged illicit cigarette factory – Five men face court
By ArdeePost Reporter
Five men charged in connection with a Garda raid on an alleged illicit cigarette factory near Ardee, Co. Louth, have been sent forward for trial at Dundalk Circuit Court on October 7.
The case follows a search at Richardstown, Ardee, on March 3, where Gardaí uncovered what they allege was a large-scale operation producing and processing illicit tobacco products.
Two of the accused, Maksym Kozachuk (41) and Yuri Popko (51), both with an address at O’Duffy Park Terrace, Ballybay, Co. Monaghan, pleaded guilty at a recent district court hearing. They each admitted to being involved in the production, processing, or attempted processing of illicit tobacco. Both men were remanded on continuing bail conditions and will return for sentencing at Dundalk Circuit Court.
Their three co-accused—Kevin Donnelly (28) of Dublin Road, Newry, Co. Down; Sergiy Avramov (42), and Maksym Kovbasenko (38), also of O’Duffy Park Terrace, Ballybay—have pleaded not guilty and will stand trial. They face multiple charges, including producing and processing illicit tobacco products, knowingly dealing in prohibited goods, and keeping such goods on the Richardstown premises.
At the latest court sitting, Mr Donnelly’s signing-on condition at Dundalk Garda Station was reduced from twice weekly to once a week, on Saturdays. He did not apply for legal aid.
The three other men were assisted in court by interpreters and were each granted legal aid for both a solicitor and a barrister.
The Garda investigation is part of a wider crackdown on the illegal tobacco trade, which authorities say deprives the State of millions in lost tax revenue annually and undermines legitimate businesses.
The five men will now appear before Dundalk Circuit Court on October 7, where two will face sentencing and three will stand trial.