Two alleged members of Lithuanian crime gang operating in Cork remanded in custody

Court told nine people had been arrested in 'substantial investigation' by gardaí

Both accused were remanded in custody until July 9. Picture: Dan Linehan

Two men who are allegedly members of a Lithuanian organised crime gang under investigation in Cork were on Wednesday remanded in custody for four weeks.

Neither man objected to the prosecution application for an adjournment for the longest remand in custody while DPP directions are sought.

Judge Mary Dorgan remanded both of them in custody until July 9 at Cork District Court.

Sergeant John Dineen said: “The file has gone to the detective inspector, en route to the DPP. This is a substantial investigation. Nine people have been arrested. There were 95 Garda witnesses and 10 civilian witnesses.” 

Eddie Burke, solicitor, consented to the remand in custody application for a period of four weeks on behalf of both men.

Detective Garda Ruairi McGovern arrested 46-year-old Jonas Pavilionis, of no fixed address, and objected to bail in his case on March 25. Mr Pavilionis was 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 he was seen stashing them behind an electricity box.

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

A Lithuanian interpreter was present in Cork District Court for both defendants.

Detective Garda Jeremy Murphy arrested and charged 33-year-old Karolis Guzauskas with 12 counts of possession of diamorphine (heroin) and 12 counts of having heroin for sale or supply. The detective said on five dates, the defendant allegedly sold heroin to 12 undercover gardaí in the Fitzgerald’s Park and Mardyke area.

The detective agreed the accused was in Ireland for five years and in a relationship with a woman from Cork, and that on March 19 he was the victim of a serious assault.

The detective objected to bail being granted in his case because of concerns for the safety of the community.