Man to face trial charged with directing criminal gang allegedly involved in heroin dealing in Cork

Three other men were also charged in connection with the investigation

The case follows a Garda investigation into 'large-scale distribution of heroin in Cork'. File picture: Getty

A judge and jury will hear the case against a 47-year-old man charged with directing and controlling the activities of a criminal organisation where he was allegedly directing gang members to deal heroin in Cork and was in possession of firearms.

The book of evidence was served on Wednesday on the defendant’s solicitor, Eddie Burke, as the accused man, Pranas Motriuk, appeared by video link from prison.

Detective Garda Patrick O’Sullivan served the book of evidence and Judge Mary Dorgan sent the case forward from Cork District Court to the sessions of Cork Circuit Criminal Court on February 9. On that date it will be a matter for that court to set a date for trial by judge and jury.

47-year-old Pranas Motriuk of 13 Manor Grove, Thornbury View, Rochestown, Cork, is also 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.

Detective Garda Patrick O’Sullivan said the charge of directing a criminal organisation was first brought following an investigation into “large-scale distribution of heroin in Cork and the investigation of the defendant and other subordinates who were dealing on his command.” 

Three other men — also represented by solicitor Eddie Burke — were also served today with books of evidence arising out of the investigation. 

46-year-old Jonas Pavilionis of no fixed address is charged with committing an offence on behalf of a criminal organisation, and with having heroin and possessing it for sale or supply on the second floor of Douglas village 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.

Two other men facing different drug-dealing charges arising out of the same investigation were served with books of evidence.

38-year-old Aleksandras Kuznecovas of no fixed address, is charged with heroin dealing on January 19, 2024, at Thomas Davis Bridge, Western Road, Cork, on January 23, 2024, on Mardyke Bridge and on January 25, 2024, on the banks of Lee Walkway.

25-year-old Karolis Guzauskas of no fixed address faces 12 counts of possession of Diamorphine (heroin) and 12 counts of having heroin for sale or supply. Detective Garda Jeremy Murphy previously alleged that on five dates, the defendant sold heroin to 12 undercover gardaí in the Fitzgerald’s Park and Mardyke area.

In each case free legal aid was extended for a barrister and senior counsel, and a Lithuanian interpreter and for the translation of the book of evidence into Lithuanian.