'He would be gone in two seconds': No bail for suspected Lithuanian gang members arrested in Cork
Detective Garda Linda O’Keeffe said there was an objection to bail because of the seriousness of the allegations against 38-year-old Aleksandras Kuznecovas (pictured) of no fixed address, accused of three counts of dealing heroin. Picture: Larry Cummins
The divisional drugs unit at Anglesea Street in Cork have objected to bail for two suspected members of a Lithuanian organised crime gang who were arrested on Thursday, saying in one case “he would be gone in two seconds” if released.
Detective Garda Linda O’Keeffe said there was an objection to bail because of the seriousness of the allegations against 38-year-old Aleksandras Kuznecovas of no fixed address, accused of three counts of dealing heroin. A Lithuanian interpreter translated proceedings.
“Gardaí believe this Lithuanian organised crime gang are involved in the sale or 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 Road, Cork, and January 23, 2024, (on Mardyke Bridge) and January 25, 2024, (on banks of Lee Walkway). Three bags of diamorphine were sold.
“These bags were sent to Forensic Science Ireland and tested positive for diamorphine. It is my belief that Aleksandras Kuznecovas is addicted to diamorphine and that he is a vital cog in this Lithuanian organised crime gang… which has extensive links outside this jurisdiction.
“I believe he is incapable of appearing in court on his own and is incapable of remaining free from intoxicants. I believe he will commit further offences if granted bail including offences under the Misuse of Drugs Act.
"He is an active and trusted member of this gang. He is heavily involved in the sale or supply of diamorphine in Cork city and so is a danger to the community and the people in it,” Det. Garda O’Keeffe testified.
Eddie Burke, solicitor, said the allegation was that the three drug deals referred to were each valued €25.
Judge Mary Dorgan said the allegations were that the drugs were sold to undercover gardaí by a member of a criminal organisation and that in all the circumstances she was refusing bail. Aleksandras Kuznecovas was remanded in custody, on the application of Sergeant John Dineen, until April 3.
Detective Garda Ruairi McGovern arrested 46-year-old Jonas Pavilionis of no fixed address 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 car park last Tuesday, March 25, and having a machete on the same date. The value of 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.
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,” Det. Garda McGovern said.
Bail was also refused in his case and he was remanded in custody to appear again at Cork District Court on April 3.
