Five men back in court over alleged illicit Louth cigarette factory

By Francis Carroll, The Drogheda Independent

Five men charged in connection with a Garda raid on an alleged illicit cigarette factory near Ardee, Co. Louth, have been sent forward to Dundalk Circuit Court on October 7.

Two of the defendants signed guilty pleas to one count when they appeared before the district court, while the other three are to stand trial.

Maksym Kozachuk (41) and Yuri Popko (51), both of O’Duffy Park Terrace, Ballybay, Co. Monaghan, each admitted being concerned in the production, processing, attempted production or attempted processing of illicit tobacco product at Richardstown, Ardee, on March 3 last.

They were sent forward on the same bail conditons for sentencing.

Their three co-accused are also charged with the same alleged offence.

Kevin Donnelly (28), Dublin Road, Newry, Co. Down; Sergiy Avramov (42) and Maksym Kovbasenko (38), both of O’Duffy Park Terrace, Ballybay, are each accused of processing an illicit tobacco product, were concerned with the processing of an illicit tobacco product, did produce or process illicit tobacco product and, did knowingly deal in illicit tobacco product, and did keep prohibited goods on the said premises or land.

They were remanded on bail to the same circuit court sitting for trial.

Mr Donnelly had a signing on condition at Dundalk Garda Station reduced from twice a week to every Saturday.

There was no application for legal aid in his case.

Each of the other four defendants had the assistance of an interpreter, and were granted legal aid for a solicitor and barrister.