'As usual, six months later' complains man as Cork arms-and-drugs court case is adjourned again

One of three men — allegedly members of a Lithuanian organised crime gang – complained by video link from prison about a further remand in custody today saying, “As per usual, six months later.” 

46-year-old Pranas Motriuk of 13 Manor Grove, Thornbury View, Rochestown, Cork, made that comment through a Lithuanian interpreter as Judge Mary Dorgan remanded the accused in custody until October 14.

The accused man’s solicitor, Eddie Burke, applied to have the case struck out because of delay stating that this defendant and other accused had been in custody for six months.

Judge Dorgan refused applications to strike out the cases and recalled recent evidence of the complicated and extensive investigation where the garda file ran to more than 3,000 pages.

Pranas Motriuk is charged with three counts under the Firearms and Offensive Weapons Act related to an improvised shotgun, a 9mm Zoraki semi-automatic pistol and ammunition. He is charged with having two false IDs, namely a Lithuanian driver’s licence and a personal ID card, allegedly carrying his picture but someone else’s name. 

All of those charges relate to March 25 at his home in Rochestown. 

Finally, he is charged with money-laundering in relation to sums of €470 and €1,050 at North City Link Road on September 25 2024, and at Kyrls Street on October 3 2024, respectively.

46-year-old Jonas Pavilionis of no fixed address is charged with having heroin and possessing it for sale or supply on the second floor of Douglas shopping centre car park on March 25, and having a machete on the same date. 

The value of the alleged seizure was €3,920. He was charged that on Sunday 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.

38-year-old Aleksandras Kuznecovas of no fixed address, was allegedly identified as one of the main street dealers in the operation and charged with selling diamorphine on three different occasions to undercover gardaí. 

The dates of these controlled purchases were January 19 2024 at Thomas Davis Bridge, Western Road, Cork, and January 23 2024 (on Mardyke Bridge) and January 25 2024 (on banks of Lee Walkway).