A pilot arrested over an €8.4million cocaine seizure was wearing a €5,000 watch at the time, it was alleged in court.
Michal Luczak was refused bail when he appeared before Mullingar District Court with his co-accused Tim Gilchrist over last week’s haul, described as a “massive loss” for an organised crime group. The court heard how gardai from the Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau had a Cessna aircraft under surveillance on Thursday when it was seen landing at Abbeyshrule Aerodrome in Longford.
A number of bags were allegedly transferred to a car which then left the airfield before another car also left the area. Some time later, investigators intercepted two cars in Lough Owel, Westmeath, one of which was loaded with 120kgs of cocaine in bags in the boot and back seat, it is alleged.
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Luczak, of Primrose Avenue, Jigginstown, Naas, Co Kildare, and Gilchrist, of Mavis Bank, Newrath, Waterford, were arrested and were brought to Ashbourne Garda station where they were quizzed until Saturday night. Luczak, 41, is charged with possessing cocaine for sale and supply at Abbeyshrule Aerodrome. Gilcrest, 54, faces the same charges at Lough Owel, Irishtown, Co Westmeath.
Gilchrist’s case was up first and Detective Garda Liam Mangan said the man made no reply when he was charged. Gilchrist’s solicitor Maurice Regan said there would be no bail application.
Judge Patricia Cronian said Gilchrist, who remained silent throughout the short hearing, should receive any medical attention necessary in prison. He was also granted legal aid after the court heard he was a recipient of medical benefits.
Detective Garda Ivor Scully of the DOCB told the court that he arrested Luczak at 5.50pm at Ashbourne Garda station on Saturday before charging him. He was cautioned and handed a copy of the charge sheet but made no reply.
Det Scully said there were no directions issued from the Director Public Prosecutions yet. Luczak did make an application for bail but Det Scully objected, saying the accused was a flight risk. He alleged that he was identified as a member of a criminal group.
Det Scully told the hearing that Luczak flew a Cessna plane to France on August 3, before returning the following day. The officer said the accused did not tell the relevant authorities.
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Det Scully alleged that Luczak was observed at Abbeyshrule unloading bags from the plane into a car which was being driven by co-accused Gilchrist.
He said when that same car was stopped by cops with Gilchrist at the wheel, six bags were found with blocks of cocaine in each, with 120kg overall worth €8.4million. Luczak was driving a separate car when he was stopped.
Det Scully said the seizure was a “massive loss” to an organised crime group. The garda explained that further serious charges may be brought under the Misuse Of Drugs Act against Luczak and a file is being prepared for the DPP.
Det Scully insisted that Luczak was a flight risk who had the means to leave the jurisdiction. He said the accused holds a single-engine aeroplane licence and has no definitive ties to Ireland. The garda insisted he would not agree to bail under any terms.
Det Scully told the court that the accused owns one sixth of a plane which the pilot paid €25,000 for and said Luczak was arrested wearing a watch worth €5,000. However, this was disputed by the defence, who said Luczak had paid €20,000 for his share of the plane and €2,000 for the watch.
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Cross examined by defence solicitor McGarry, Det Scully agreed it could take months for the DPP to give their directions and three years before a trial.
Mr McGarry said his client has the presumption of innocence and protested that in his interviews. Det Garda Scully said there was phone evidence between Luczak and his co-accused but agreed that Luczak’s home did not show “significant” signs of wealth.
Mr McGarry told the court his client was a former law student who came here for economic reasons 17 years ago.
Luczak has two children, is married and while he no longer lives with his wife, they are not divorced and she was in attendance at the hearing yesterday.
Both men were remanded in custody to appear via video link on Thursday.
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