The court hearing at Tralee District Court has disclosed that essential evidence books required in case proceedings against two men from Co Kerry, associated with the largest-ever confiscation of crystal meth in the State, are not yet prepared. Nathan McDonnell, a 43-year-old from Ballyroe, Tralee, and CEO of Ballyseedy Group, has been allegedly accused of possessing methylamphetamine meant for sale or supply, with a market price of at least €13,000, between October 27th, 2023, and February 12th, 2024, at Ballyseedy Garden Centre, Tralee. The court earlier heard Mr. McDonnell pleading “not guilty” to the charges.
Meanwhile, James Leen, a 41-year-old resident of Pilgrim Hill, Kilmorna, Listowel, has been charged with a similar offence. Mr. Leen has additionally been alleged of importing methylamphetamine worth €13,000 or more on October 16th, 2023, at Cork Port, Ringaskiddy. He did not respond when the charges were read out, as per previous courtroom proceedings.
Both gentlemen were held in relation to the discovery of an astounding 543kg of crystal meth, valued at an estimated €32.8 million, found in a container at the Port of Cork. As previously heard in court, this substantial batch had been transported from Mexico within a machine and kept at the Ballyseedy Garden Centre since October.
The defendants first appeared in court on February 23rd last and have been held in custody since then, with appearances via video link at regular intervals. Sgt Chris Manton advised Judge Mark O’Connell that an additional two-week remand period was recommended. Pat Mann, Mr. Leen’s legal representative, agreed to the remand and disclosed that a bail application was being processed in the High Court for his client. However, Mr. McDonnell’s plea for bail was rejected in the High Court, and he plans to bring the matter to the Court of Appeal.
Judge Mark O’Connell enquired if the evidence books would be available in two weeks, to which Sgt. Manton expressed scepticism. The judge hence ruled to remand both men in custody, scheduling their next appearance via video link for April 24th.