Further remand in biggest-ever Laois drugs haul
The men appeared by video link at Portlaoise District Court
TWO men charged in connection with the biggest-ever drug seizure in Laois have been remanded in custody for a further two weeks.
The pair appeared by video link at Portlaoise District Court today, on charges of possessing cannabis and cocaine worth more than €14m in Laois and Dublin. The haul included drugs worth €12.8m found in a Mountmellick motor garage.
Robert Wojtanowicz (45), 12 Manor Grove, Mountmellick and Robert Cup (44) Marlfield Gardens, Cabinteely, Dublin 18 are each accused of having cannabis and cocaine for their own use and for sale or supply at Laois Motor Works, Manor Street, Mountmellick on 4 February 2025.
They are also accused of possessing cocaine for their own use and for sale or supply at 32 Eaton Close, Rathcoole, Dublin on the same date. Mr Cup is further charged with money laundering at the same address in Rathcoole.
A Polish interpreter assisted both men when they appeared in court by video link from Cloverhill Prison this morning. They have been in custody on remand for the past week, having been refused bail when they were first brought before Portlaoise District Court on 6 February.
Sgt Geoffrey Scally sought a further adjournment for preparation of a book of evidence, which he said would take some time to complete. Judge Andrew Cody adjourned the case until 27 February. There was no application for bail.
At the initial hearing, Detective Garda Marie Connolly from the Dublin Crime Response (DCR) team said that drugs valued at €12.82m were found when a search warrant was executed at Laois Motor Works.
Drugs were concealed in a number of vehicles and there was an alleged drug manufacturing plant on the premises, where a press, chemicals, microwaves and vacuum bags were located.
Detective Garda Connolly said the total street value of the drugs seized in Laois and Dublin was €14.01m. She added that gardaí were of the opinion that the motor premises in Mountmellick was a central part of a drug supply network to the greater Dublin metropolitan area.
