The re-scheduled High Court bail hearing for a second man from Kerry, implicated in the largest-ever crystal meth aide in the nation, is anticipated to happen in two weeks following its adjournment. James Leen, a 41-year-old resident of Pilgrim Hill, Kilmourna, Listowel, is facing a duo of charges related to drug importation at Cork Port, Ringaskiddy on 16th October, 2023. These charges surround methylamphetamine or crystal meth, with an additional charge for possession, valuing at or above €13,000. The drugs were found at Ballyseedy Garden Centre between October 27th, 2023, and February 12th, 2024.
Previously, the District Court was informed that Customs officers uncovered a staggering 543kg of crystal meth, with an estimated worth of €32.8 million, during a container inspection at the Port of Cork. The court was also apprised of the fact that the drug shipment, originating from Mexico, had been stashed at Ballyseedy Garden Centre since October.
Leen, along with Nathan McDonnell, another defendant in the case, were denied bail during their initial District Court hearings in February. Yet, they had the opportunity to resubmit bail applications to the High Court in Cloverhill, Dublin. McDonnell’s subsequent bail application was also declined on Tuesday, while Leen’s request was due to be presented for decision on Thursday.
However, owing to an inundation of contested hearings on the court’s bail docket, an adjournment of two weeks was granted by Ms Justice Caroline Biggs for Leen’s application. Leen’s father and another family member were in court for these proceedings.
Defence counsel, Ronan Prendergast, informed Ms Justice Biggs of receiving “detailed objections notes” from the State on this issue, and suggested that the rescheduled bail hearing could possibly happen sooner. He proposed that despite Det Sgt Ernie Henderson of Tralee Garda station’s intricate knowledge of the case, another officer could potentially substitute for him.
Nevertheless, the State’s representative, Theresa Lowe, described the case as being of extreme complexity, warranting Det Sgt Henderson’s attendance at the proceeding. She added that only he possesses the capability to handle the complicated facets of this case.
The state is contesting the application, a point that Mrs Justice Biggs acknowledged. As a result, it will proceed as scheduled on April 12th. Moreover, Nathan McDonnell, aged 44 from Ballyroe, Tralee, is also implicated in the case. McDonnell, who once was the director of Ballyseedy Garden Centre, has been accused of harboring drugs worth beyond €13,000 for sale or distribution at the garden centre, a crime supposedly committed between October 27th and February 12th.