Man had over €61,000 illegal cigarettes and clothing

A Ballyshannon man was caught with over €61,000 worth of illegal tobacco products when Gardai raided his home.

Brendan Casey, of Erne Dale Heights in Ballyshannon, was before Donegal Circuit Court.

Casey was arraigned on five counts relating to the possession of counterfeit cigarettes, tobacco and clothing.

Cops swooped on Casey's home, at Erne Dale Heights in Ballyshannon, on May 8, 2020.

Officers located 61,750 Excellence cigarettes and 33.38 kilos of fine cut rolling tobacco.

The stash had an estimated value of €61,645.45 and did not have the necessary stamps affixed.

Casey was also charged with attempted to evade excise duty in relation to the haul.

Gardai also found counterfeit Adidas, Nike and The North Face tracksuits.

Casey was arraigned on three counts of the fraudulent application or use of trade mark in relation to these goods.

Casey spoke only to plead guilty.

Mr Peter Nolan BL, barrister for Casey, said his client had no previous convictions. Casey, his barrister told the court, has a history of depression 'and various psychiatric difficulties'.

Adjourning the case until the next session of Donegal Circuit Court in December, Judge John Aylmer requested a probation report, to include assessment for community service and an updated psychiatric report.