Plea to €5M cocaine seizure

A 54-YEAR-OLD Lithuanian businessman pleaded guilty at the Monaghan Circuit Criminal Court to what Judge John Aylmer described as a “very serious” charge relating to the possession of cocaine worth in excess of €5.25M for sale or supply.

Arunas Racyla, with an address at Highfield, Carrickmacross, will be sentenced in January 2027.

He is charged that, on March 13, 2026, he had in his possession cocaine for the purpose of sale or supply.

After Racyla entered his plea through an interpreter, James McGowan SC, who appeared with Dimitry Grinberg BL, said the plea is on a full facts basis with other counts to be taken into consideration at sentencing.

Mr McGowan said the accused has been in Ireland for 22 years and is in a long-term relationship and has three children. He owns his own business and is involved in the provision of hot tubs and marquees for events.

“He has no previous convictions and I would ask for a probation report because it is a serious matter,” counsel requested.

Remarking that it was indeed “a very serious matter”, Judge Aylmer directed a probation report to include an assessment of the defendant’s suitability for community service. However, he cautioned that this, in no sense, indicates what he is considering in the case.

The judge also requested a prison governor’s report before adjourning sentencing to the next circuit court term, further remanding the accused in custody.

* This article was published with support from the Court Reporting Scheme.