Nathan McDonnell, a 44-year-old businessman from Co Kerry, who was formerly the director of Ballyseedy Garden Centre, has been accused of drug possession for resale, related to the biggest crystal meth confiscation that Ireland has ever seen. Rejected by the High Court, his bail application was turned down despite his father’s €100,000 surety offer from personal savings.
The accusations pertain to the timespan between October 27th and February 12th, wherein drugs with an estimated market value exceeding €13,000 were allegedly found in the garden centre. McDonnell countered the allegations, pleading not guilty.
Additionally, James Leen, a 41-year-old man from Pilgrim Hill, Kilmourna, Listowel, faces a pair of charges centred on crystal meth importation. The alleged offences occurred at Cork Port, Ringaskiddy on October 16th, and at the garden centre, where a possession of €13,000 or more in drugs has been reported. Leen did not respond to the allegations when charged.
Customs officers, during an inspection at the Port of Cork, laid their hands on 543kgs of crystal meth, with a projected value of €32.8 million. The discovery was made in a container that reportedly arrived from Mexico and had been stowed in the garden centre since October.
After their bail was denied at their opening district court hearings in February, both men had the right to resubmit their applications to the High Court. But McDonnell’s recent application was rejected by Ms Justice Karen O’Connor citing the severity of the allegations against him.
Defence submissions were regarded, and it was acknowledged that McDonnell’s father, Michael, offered to post his son’s bail with €100,000 drawn from his life savings.
The state’s representative, Theresa Lowe BL, received confirmation from Detective Sergeant Ernie Henderson of Tralee station, that the bail objection was based on the case’s seriousness and apprehension regarding the accused absconding.
Despite the adjournment of the case in order to deliberate on the matter, Ms Justice O’Connor resolved not to grant McDonnell’s bail application on Tuesday. She stated that although the accused was presumed innocent, the proposed surety amount was inadequate, and the concerns expressed by the Garda could not be assuaged under any conditions.
McDonnell followed the court proceedings through a video link from prison.
The indication from the hearing is that the individuals could potentially face further accusations and instructions from the Director of Public Prosecutions were needed. They are set to present themselves once more at the District Court on Wednesday. Meanwhile, Mr Leen has his application for High Court bail set to be processed on Thursday.