Pilot on trial over €8m cocaine flown into Midlands aerodrome

Tom Tuite

A man alleged to have been the pilot of an aircraft used to fly just over €8 million worth of cocaine into the Midlands three years ago has gone on trial.

Michal Luczak, 44, faces four charges for unlawful possession of cocaine, possessing it for the purpose of sale or supply, and the possession and importation of drugs worth €13,000 or more at Abbeyshrule Aerodrome, Co Longford, on August 4th, 2022.

Mr Luczak, formerly of Primrose Avenue, Jigginstown, Naas, Co Kildare, replied “not guilty” to each charge when he was arraigned at Mullingar Circuit Criminal Court on Tuesday.

A jury was sworn in for the trial, which Judge Roderick Maguire said was expected to last up to four weeks.

Prosecutor Cathal Ó Braonáin BL told the panel that the trial would hear evidence from up to 50 witnesses.

They included gardaí from the Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau, the national surveillance unit, a scenes of crime unit and mapping section, as well as Garda HQ, along with civilians and personnel from Forensic Science Ireland and the Irish Aviation Authority.

Mr Ó Braonáin said that the trial related to an incident on August 4th, 2022, when it was alleged that 120kg of cocaine with a value in excess of €8 million was imported at the aerodrome.

Counsel said Mr Luczak, who now resides at an apartment at The Davitt, Dublin, was allegedly the pilot of a small aircraft in that importation.

The charges are contrary to sections 3, 15, 15A, and 15B of the Misuse of Drugs Act.

Judge Maguire instructed the four women and men of the jury to select a foreperson; the trial will open with the prosecution’s case on Wednesday morning.

The judge also gave the jurors the standard warning about not using social media on the case or any of the witnesses, or reading news media coverage, or discussing the proceedings with others.