Louth resident avoids jail after 36,000 untaxed cigarettes found in his home
A man who had more than 36,000 untaxed cigarettes in his home has avoided a jail sentence.
Daniel Pavlov (42), Glenwood, Dublin Road, Dundalk, was nabbed following a controlled delivery of 10,000 cigarettes concealed in table tops.
He told investigators that he had agreed to receive the table tops from Bulgaria for a friend.
However, another 26,060 cigarettes were discovered throughout the house. The accused said that they had been brought back from trips abroad by him and his family.
He added that €11,400 cash located in a wardrobe represented gifts and savings. He consented to the forfeiture of that money.
Mr Pavlov, married with two children, became an Irish citizen last December. He has no previous convictions.
Evidence was heard that on March 20, 2024, a controlled delivery of five table tops took place to his home.
After the execution of a search warrant, it was discovered each contained 2,000 cigarettes in loose packets of 20.
The other contraband was in bedrooms and in a vehicle.
Dundalk Circuit Court was told that the cigarettes were valued €30,000 and that the risk to the Exchequer was €23,000.
Barrister Ronan O’Carroll said that his client had worked consistently since coming to Ireland in 2006.
His first job was as a cleaner in DkIT before he was made a caretaker. He supplemented his income with part-time security and delivery jobs.
Mr Pavlov deeply regretted this. He offered a “guilty” plea at the outset. He was fearful of the consequences. References were available.
Another man involved was known to the Bulgarian authorities.
There was no evidence to suggest the defendant will trouble the court again, counsel continued.
Judge Dara Hayes remarked that this represented fraud on the public purse. Steps had been taken to conceal the cigarettes, albeit not by this man.
It was noted Mr Pavlov had minimised his behaviour in reports.
A suspended 21-month sentence was imposed on each of two counts under Section 78 of the Finance Act – keeping tobacco products for sale or delivery.
For evading Excise Duty, Daniel Pavlov was sentenced to 210 hours community service to be completed within 18 months in lieu of 21 months imprisonment.