Wicklow man sent forward for trial on tobacco duty charges
The Wicklow PeopleA man accused of selling unstamped tobacco products and attempting to evade excise duty has been sent forward for trial
Bashir Koujak, of The Park, Heatherside, Arklow, appeared before Arklow District Court, where the book of evidence was formally served on him.
It is alleged that on July 18, 2024, the accused had tobacco products kept for sale without the required tax stamps.
He is also facing a separate charge of attempting to evade duty on excisable goods.
Judge David Kennedy issued Mr Koujak with an alibi warning, telling him through a translator: “If you intend to rely on an alibi at trial, you must notify the prosecution within 14 days of today.”
Judge Kennedy also made a Section 56 disclosure order and sent the accused forward for trial at Wicklow Circuit Criminal Court on January 13, 2026.
The court was told that jurisdiction was refused at District Court level and that directions from the Director of Public Prosecutions were for trial on indictment.
Legal aid was granted to solicitor Dermot Hickey, with a second counsel also sanctioned for the trial.
Mr Koujak was remanded on continuing bail to his next court date in the new year.