Guilty pleas entered ahead of trial over largest ever drug seizure in Laois

Two men have entered guilty pleas ahead of their trial in relation to the largest ever drugs seizure in County Laois.

The drugs were discovered in a container and in secret compartments in a number of cars located at Laois Motor Works, Manor Street, Mountmellick on February 4, 2025 and more drugs and cash were located at Eaton Close, Rathcoole, Dublin. 

The operation, conducted by Gardaí from the Dublin Crime Response Team, resulted in the seizure of 182kgs of cocaine and 4kgs of cannabis herb valued at €12.8 million in Mountmellick and further drugs were found in Dublin bringing the value up to €14.1 million. In all the operation resulted in the seizure of 199kgs of cocaine, four kilograms of cannabis and €25,000 in cash.  

Robert Wojtanowicz (46) of Manor Grove, Mountmellick and Robert Cup(45) of Marlfield Gardens, Johnstown Road, Cabbinteely, Dublin each pleaded guilty to three charges in connection with the seizure ahead of their trial at a sitting of Portlaoise Circuit Court this week. 

Pictured above: The two men being brought to court in February 2025

Wojtanowicz pleaded guilty to possessing cocaine and cannabis worth in excess of €13,000 for sale or supply at Laois Motor Works, Manor Street, Mountmellick on February 4, 2025. 

He also pleaded guilty to two counts of possession of articles intended for use in connection with a drug trafficking offence contrary to Section 183(1) of the Criminal Justice Act 2006 on the same date.  The articles were a grey 171D Renault Traffic van and a 181D registered grey Ford Kuga both with adaptations to conceal contents in circumstances giving rise to a reasonable inference that he possessed it for a purpose connected with the commission, preparation, facilitation or instigation of a drug trafficking offence.

Colm Smyth SC asked for a governor’s report and an education report for his client. He said the man had earned advanced prison status while in custody. 

Judge Keenan Johnson acceded to the request and ordered the reports. He remanded the defendant in custody and adjourned the case for sentencing. 

Through a court appointed interpreter, Robert Cup pleaded guilty to possessing cocaine and cannabis valued at over €13,000 for sale or supply at Laois Motor Works, Manor Street, Mountmellick and at Eaton Drive, Rathcoole, Dublin on February 4, 2025. 

He also pleaded guilty to possessing an article intended for use in connection with a drug trafficking offence contrary to Section 183(1) of the Criminal Justice Act 2006 at Laois Motor Works on February 4, 2025. The charge related to a 181D registered grey Ford Kuga with adaptations to conceal contents in circumstances giving rise to a reasonable inference that it was being used for a purpose connected with the commission, preparation, facilitation or instigation of a drug trafficking offence. 

He pleaded guilty to possessing a 131D Ford Kuga at  Eaton Drive, Rathcoole, Dublin which was also fitted with adaptations to conceal contents in circumstances giving rise to a reasonable inference that it was being used for a purpose connected with the commission, preparation, facilitation or instigation of a drug trafficking offence on the same date. 

Prosecution Counsel, Will Fennelly BL, said the pleas were accepted on a full facts basis and in relation to Mr Cup, he said there was an agreement that €20,000 found in Rathcoole, was to be forfeited to the State. 

Pictured above: The Mountmellick search site

Judge Keenan Johnson recalled a jury who had been empanelled in expectation of the two men going on trial. He sent them home early on the first day when Mr Wojtanowicz pleaded guilty. A day later when Mr Cup pleaded guilty on arraignment, Judge Keenan recalled the jury.

“Each of the accused was now pleading guilty to three counts on the indictment”, he informed them before excusing them from jury duty for three years and sending them home. 

Dara Foynes SC for Mr Cup requested an education report for her client and an interpreter for the next appearance. 

Judge Johnson remanded both defendants in custody and ordered an interpreter for the sentencing hearing at Portlaoise Circuit Court at a date in March.