The dad of a businessman from Kerry, who faces charges over the biggest crystal meth seizure in the country’s history, has proposed to serve as his son’s bail surety, pledging €100,000 from his personal savings. James Leen, 41, from Pilgrim Hill, Kilmourna, Listowel, is accused of two counts of drug importation through Cork Port, Ringaskiddy, on October 16, 2023, and the possession of crystal meth, also known as methylamphetamine, valued at €13,000 or more, which was found at Ballyseedy Garden Centre between October 27, 2023, and February 12, 2024.
The court also heard charges against Nathan McDonnell, 44, a prior company executive who once managed the aforementioned garden centre. McDonnell is accused of having drugs for sale or supply at the same location, those valued over €13,000, during the same time period.
During an inspection at the Port of Cork, customs officers had discovered 543kg of crystal meth, with an approximate worth of €32.8 million, in a container that was shipped from Mexico and stored at Ballyseedy Garden Centre since October. Despite being denied bail in February, they had the right to resubmit an application to the High Court in Cloverhill, Dublin.
Recently, the case was brought before Ms Justice Karen O’Connor but Leen, through his counsel, requested to postpone his plea until the following Thursday. McDonnell’s bail hearing proceeded, with him witnessing the proceedings via a video link from prison. Detective Sergeant Ernie Henderson of the Tralee station told the court he opposed the bail due to the serious nature of the case and the potential risk of flight.
Meanwhile, McDonnell’s dad, Michael McDonnell, informed the court that he was prepared to post bail for his son, proposing to contribute €100,000 from his own savings. With the gravity of the allegations in mind, Ms Justice O’Connor said she needed time to deliberate and will announce her decision next Tuesday.