Two men have appeared in court following what HMRC described in the case material as a cigarette and cash haul in Armagh.
Philip Sherry, aged 34, and John Hegarty, aged 77, are jointly charged with evading HMRC duty fees through the importation and acquiring of cigarettes. The proceedings follow an investigation into activity that is believed to be connected to an all-Ireland-wide organised crime gang.
Who appeared in court
Mr Sherry was listed with addresses in Monaghan and Armagh, but was ultimately settled as Fasglashagh Close, Dungannon. Mr Hegarty is from Old Road, Burnfoot, in County Donegal.
The two men face further charges relating to possession of criminal property. The available report does not provide the full wording of that charge or set out the alleged value of the cigarettes, cash or any other seized items.
What happens next
The case remains before the courts. At this stage, the charges are allegations and have not been proven. No additional court outcome or next hearing date is provided in the available report.
The case was reported by Armagh I on August 14, 2026. The publication said the proceedings followed an HMRC seizure in Armagh and described the alleged activity as potentially connected to organised crime operating across the island of Ireland.
