Alleged gang members arrested in Cork detained in custody

Two alleged members of a Lithuanian organised crime gang operating in Cork were remanded in custody yesterday today at Cork District Court.

Sergeant Gearóid Davis said an adjournment of the case was required in order to receive directions from the DPP.

Aleksandras Kuznecovas, aged 38, of no fixed address, agreed to a four-week adjournment until May 1.

Jonas Pavilionis, aged 46, of no fixed address, would not consent to the longer adjournment and was remanded in custody by Judge Mary Dorgan until April 17.

Both accused were represented by solicitor Eddie Burke.

Last week, Detective Garda Linda O’Keeffe said: “Gardaí believe this Lithuanian organised crime gang are involved in the sale of supply of a large quantity of diamorphine [heroin] in Cork City.

“At an early stage in the investigation, Aleksandras Kuznecovas was identified as one of the main street dealers in the operation. During this investigation, Aleksandras Kuznecovas sold diamorphine on three different occasions to undercover gardaí.

“The dates of these controlled purchases were January 19, 2024, at Thomas Davis Bridge, Western Rd, Cork, and January 23, 2024, [on Mardyke Bridge] and January 25, 2024, [on banks of Lee Walkway]. Three bags of diamorphine were sold.”

Detective Garda Ruairí McGovern arrested Jonas Pavilionis and objected to bail in his case. When solicitor Mr Burke put it to him about his concern that the accused would leave the country if granted bail, the detective said: “He would be gone in two seconds.”

He was charged with having heroin and possessing it for sale or supply on the second floor of Douglas Shopping Centre carpark on March 25, and having a machete on the same date. The value of the alleged seizure was €3,920.

He was also charged that on March 23 at Audley Place, St Patrick’s Hill, Cork, he had two bill-hooks. The allegation was that he was seen stashing them behind an electricity box.

The detective said Operation Fustian targeted this particular gang, and he alleged that the accused was an integral part of it and only came to Cork eight weeks ago. “He was brought here purely for the purpose of protection,” said Det Gda McGovern.