Illegal Tobacco Factory Uncovered in Ardee: Five Men Appear in Court
Ardee News and Sport – Illegal Tobacco Factory Uncovered in Ardee: Five Men Appear in Court
Five men have appeared before Dundalk District Court in connection with the discovery of an alleged illegal cigarette factory in Richardstown, Ardee. The arrests were made following a Garda operation on Monday, March 3, which uncovered illicit tobacco processing activities at the site.
Four Ukrainian nationals—Maskym Kozachuk (40), Maksym Kovbasenko (37), Sergiy Avramov (42), and Yurii Popko (51)—along with Irish national Kevin Donnelly (27) of Dublin Road, Newry, were charged with processing illicit tobacco products and being concerned with the processing of illicit tobacco products at the site.
Illegal Tobacco Workers Found Living on Site
During bail hearings, it emerged that the four Ukrainian men had only entered Ireland within the past two months and had been living in a caravan at the illegal tobacco factory site in Richardstown. Gardaí objected to their bail applications, arguing that they posed a flight risk due to having no ties to the state and having recently arrived in the country.
Despite Garda objections, Judge Nicola Andrews granted bail for Kovbasenko, Avramov, and Popko, setting it at €3,000 each. The judge instructed them to provide Gardaí with an address and a mobile phone number within 72 hours and to remain contactable at all times. Additionally, they were ordered to surrender their passports and sign on at Ardee Garda Station every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. They were remanded to appear before Ardee District Court on April 11.
Bail Conditions and Custody Rulings set For Illegal Tobacco Workers
Gardaí did not object to bail for Donnelly, who was released on his own bond of €200 and an independent surety of €2,000. He must also surrender his passport and sign on at Dundalk Garda Station each Wednesday and Saturday between 9 am and 9 pm. He was also remanded to appear before Ardee District Court on April 11.
Meanwhile, Kozachuk, who informed the court that he has family in Berlin and is eager to return there, was remanded in custody with consent to bail set at €3,000. If bail is taken up, he will be required to meet the same conditions as the other three Ukrainian nationals. He is set to appear before Drogheda District Court via video link next Monday.
The case remains under investigation, with further court proceedings expected as authorities continue their inquiries into the illegal tobacco operation.