In a historic case for the state, Nathan McDonnell (44), an entrepreneur from Co Kerry, admits guilt in the Special Criminal Court of aiding an organized crime syndicate and of drug smuggling. This case is linked to the most substantial seizure of crystal meth the country has ever seen.
McDonnell, who lived in Ballyroe, Tralee, stood before a tribunal of three judges devoid of a jury earlier today. He faced five charges but was indicted on only two.
McDonnell, the former head of the Ballyseedy Group, confessed to importing a controlled substance, Methylamphetamine specifically, into Cork Port, Ringaskiddy on October 16th, 2023. This violated the Misuse of Drugs Act 1977 (section 5) and the Misuse of Drugs Regulations between 2017 and 2019. When the drug was brought into the country, it was valued at €13,000 or higher.
McDonnell, a father of three, admitted that he knowingly aided a criminal enterprise from the period of October 16th, 2023 to February 12th, 2024. His actions could have facilitated the commission of a serious crime by the group or its members. These actions included the sale, importation, and distribution of regulated drugs.
McDonnell’s capture came as a result of a joint operation by the local law enforcement and revenue officers, which led to the confiscation of 564kg of methamphetamine, better known as crystal meth, worth approximately €32.8 million from a cargo container at Cork Port on February 16th.
Subsequent investigations in Cork and Kerry counties led to McDonnell’s arrest. The prosecution alleges that the drugs came from Mexico, were stashed at the Ballyseedy Garden Centre, and were then taken to Cork, ready to be shipped to Australia.
Roisin Lacey, Senior Counsel for the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), has requested the court to schedule McDonnell’s sentencing session for the week beginning December 16th. Caroline O’Connell, barrister for the defendant, stated that her client was pleased with this date.
McDonnell was remanded in custody by Mr Justice Tony Hunt as well as Judge Elma Sheahan and Judge Marie Keane, until the 17th of December, when he is set to be sentenced.
Additionally, James Leen, McDonnell’s co-defendant, was presented to the court this Monday. Brendan Grehan, Senior Counsel for Mr Leen, asked for a trial date for his client, noting that at worst, the proceedings could span two months.
Mr Justice Hunt has set a trial date of October 6th and has postponed the case until November 11th for a mention.
Mr Leen, a 41 year old from Pilgrim Hill, Kilmorna, Listowel in County Kerry, is facing five charges. These include directing a criminal organisation’s activities from the 7th to the 16th of February 2023. He has also been accused of importing crystal meth, a type of methylamphetamine, into Cork Port, Ringaskiddy, on the 16th of October, 2023.
A further charge involves the alleged possession of crystal meth at the Ballyseedy Garden Centre, Tralee, contrary to sections S.15A and S.3 of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1977. This incident is claimed to have occurred between October 27th, 2023 and February 12th of the last year.