Ireland Albanian national loses appeal against cocaine conviction near Drogheda
Pavlin Matia (40), an Albanian national, was charged after gardaí seized about 15.3 kg of cocaine near Drogheda, County Louth, following events that began on 12 November 2022, when he drove a van into a car park at Tullyallen. On 23 November 2022 gardaí found €32,500 in cash in a concealed compartment of the van, and he was charged with cocaine possession, possession for sale or supply, and money laundering. His first trial in October 2024 ended with the jury discharged, and a jury convicted him at a second trial that began in February 2025. Judge Dara Hayes later sentenced him to 11 years and three months, and on 14 May 2026 the Court of Appeal dismissed his appeal against conviction, with reasons to follow.
- Reportednot reported
- Arrestednot reported
- Chargednot reported
- In courtnot reported
- Convicted14 May
- Sentenced
Key facts
consolidated from all reports- What happened
- Gardaí found 15,327.6 grams of cocaine, valued at €1,072,932 (a news headline gives the value as €1.1 million).
- Sources differ on the vehicle: one says the cocaine was found in a Volkswagen Passat, while the articles say a Mercedes van.
- Where
- The seizure happened near Drogheda, County Louth.
- When
- The events began on 12 November 2022, when Matia drove a van into a car park at Tullyallen.
- Investigation
- On 23 November 2022, gardaí searched the van and found €32,500 in cash in a concealed compartment, along with cocaine.
- Charges
- Matia was charged with unlawful possession of cocaine and possession for sale or supply.
- He was also charged with money laundering over €32,500, which was said to be proceeds of criminal conduct.
- In court
- Matia's first trial began in October 2024, and the jury was discharged.
- A jury convicted him at his second trial, which began in February 2025.
- The State said Matia could have made a statement at his second trial on the money laundering charge but did not.
- His counsel argued the trial was unfair because he could not respond to the money laundering charge, as the money was found three days after his garda interviews ended.
- On 14 May 2026, the Court of Appeal dismissed his appeal, with Mr Justice Alexander Owens saying reasons would follow.
- Sentence
- Judge Dara Hayes sentenced him to 11 years and three months.
- Other details
- Matia denied all the charges, saying he was collecting two tyres for his van.
13 statements extracted from the articles
- whatGardaí found 15,327.6 grams of cocaine in a Volkswagen Passat, valued at €1,072,932. (dundalkdemocrat.ie)
- whatMatia's counsel argued that his trial was unfair because he could not respond to the money laundering charge. (dundalkdemocrat.ie)
- whereThe cocaine seizure happened near Drogheda. (dundalkdemocrat.ie)
- whenThe events began on 12 November 2022 when Matia drove a van into a car park at Tullyallen. (dundalkdemocrat.ie)
- investigationOn 23 November, gardaí searched the Mercedes van and found €32,500 in cash in a concealed compartment, plus cocaine. (dundalkdemocrat.ie)
- chargeMatia was charged with unlawful possession of cocaine and possession for sale or supply. (dundalkdemocrat.ie)
- chargeHe was also charged with money laundering over €32,500 said to be proceeds of criminal conduct. (dundalkdemocrat.ie)
- courtMatia's first trial began in October 2024, and the jury was discharged. (dundalkdemocrat.ie)
- courtIn his second trial, which began in February 2025, a jury convicted him. (dundalkdemocrat.ie)
- courtThe State said Matia could have made a statement at his second trial on the money laundering charge but did not. (dundalkdemocrat.ie)
- courtMr Justice Alexander Owens said the appeal would be dismissed and reasons would follow. (dundalkdemocrat.ie)
- sentenceJudge Dara Hayes sentenced him to 11 years and three months. (dundalkdemocrat.ie)
- otherMatia denied all the charges, saying he was collecting two tyres for his van. (dundalkdemocrat.ie)
The reporting
newest first- 14 May2026Albanian national loses appeal against conviction for €1m cocaine haul near Drogheda
Court of Appeal dismissed Matia's appeal against his conviction for cocaine possession and related charges. The court will give reasons later. The article gives the background of the 2022 seizures and the two trials.
convicted, Pavlin Matia, 40, male, Albanian, named, non-irishPavlin Matia