Laois residents face organised crime trial in Special Criminal Court
Men with Portlaoise and Mountmellick addresses were charged with a drug operation in Mountmellick central to the case
The Special Criminal Court has agreed to try two men who have given home addresses in Laois on organised crime charges following an operation by the National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau.
One of those facing trial was detained after gardaí raided a premises in Mountmellick in February 2026, where an operation was uncovered that involved car compartments being modified to facilitate drug dealing.
The three are Rafal Klubikowski (42) of Higgins Park, Portlaoise; Blazej Ozanski (31) of College View, Mountmellick; and Michael Simpson (37) of Rowlagh Avenue, Clondalkin, Dublin 22.
A fourth man, Peter Brazil (47) of Rosscourt Grove, Lucan, Dublin, is charged with a single count of burglary but is not charged with any offence related to organised crime.
Mr Klubikowski is charged with directing the activities of a criminal organisation between May 15, 2024 and March 10, 2026 at a place unknown within the State. The alleged offence is contrary to Section 71A of the Criminal Justice Act 2006.
Mr Simpson is charged that between June 25, 2024 and July 24, 2024, within the State, with knowledge of the existence of a criminal organisation, he participated in criminal damage by arson and an aggravated burglary, intending or being reckless as to whether such participation could enhance the ability of a criminal organisation to commit a serious offence.
He is further charged with burglary at Glencourt in Emly, Tipperary while in possession of a knife on June 28, 2024 and with arson at an address on Berryfield Road in Finglas, Dublin 11 on June 25, 2024 and at Kippure Park in Finglas on July 5 and July 24, 2024.
Mr Ozanski is charged under Section 72 of the Criminal Justice Act 2006 with fitting concealed compartments in motor vehicles to facilitate a criminal organisation in the sale and supply of controlled drugs. He is also charged with possession of cannabis for sale or supply at The Storage Facility, Townspark, Mountmellick on February 16, 2026.
Solicitor for the Director of Public Prosecutions, Fiona Downes, successfully applied to have the men tried before the three-judge, non-jury court. Ms Justice Caroline Biggs, presiding, agreed to make the order on Monday, November 2.
None of the men was present for the application but they will appear before the court on November 9.