Ireland Bail hearing for two men charged over €32.8m crystal meth seizure adjourned
Customs officers found 543kg of crystal meth, estimated at €32.8 million, in a container at Cork Port, Ringaskiddy, with the importation charge dated October 16th, 2023. James Leen (41) of Listowel, Co Kerry, and Nathan McDonnell (44), a company director who runs Ballyseedy Garden Centre, have been charged with drug offences, including possession for sale or supply at the garden centre between October 27th, 2023 and February 12th, 2024. The men were refused bail in February. The High Court adjourned their bail hearing for a week, to March 21st, with consent from both sides, and they will next appear in the District Court on March 27th.
- Reportednot reported
- Arrestednot reported
- Chargednot reported
- In court14 Mar
- Verdict
- Sentenced
Key facts
consolidated from all reports- What happened
- Customs officers found 543kg of crystal meth, estimated at €32.8 million, in a container at the Port of Cork.
- Where
- The importation charges relate to Cork Port, Ringaskiddy.
- When
- The importation charge against James Leen is dated October 16th, 2023.
- Charges
- James Leen (41), of Listowel, Co Kerry, faces two charges of drug importation of methylamphetamine, known as crystal meth.
- James Leen is also charged with possessing crystal meth worth €13,000 or more at Ballyseedy Garden Centre between October 27th, 2023 and February 12th, 2024.
- Nathan McDonnell (44), a company director who runs Ballyseedy Garden Centre, is charged with possessing drugs worth more than €13,000 for sale or supply at the premises between October 27th, 2023 and February 12th, 2024.
- In court
- The two men were refused bail in February and could bring a fresh application to the High Court in Cloverhill, Dublin.
- The High Court adjourned the bail hearing for a week, to March 21st, with defence and prosecution consent.
- The men will face their next District Court appearance on March 27th.
- Other details
- The men may face additional charges, and the Director of Public Prosecutions' directions were required.
9 statements extracted from the articles
- whatThe bail hearing of the two men was adjourned for a week by the High Court. (irishtimes.com)
- whatCustoms officers discovered 543kg of crystal meth, estimated at €32.8 million, in a container at the Port of Cork. (irishtimes.com)
- whereJames Leen is also charged with possessing crystal meth worth €13,000 or more at Ballyseedy Garden Centre. (irishtimes.com)
- chargeJames Leen faces two charges of drug importation at Cork Port, Ringaskiddy, on October 16th, 2023. (irishtimes.com)
- chargeNathan McDonnell has been charged with possession of drugs worth more than €13,000 for sale or supply at the premises. (irishtimes.com)
- courtThe two men were refused bail in February but could bring a fresh application to the High Court in Cloverhill, Dublin. (irishtimes.com)
- courtThe application was adjourned until March 21st with defence and prosecution consent. (irishtimes.com)
- courtThe men will face their next District Court appearance on March 27th. (irishtimes.com)
- otherThe men may face additional charges, and the Director of Public Prosecution's directions were required. (irishtimes.com)
The reporting
newest first- 14 Mar2024Bail hearing for two charged over €32.8m crystal meth seizure adjourned
Reports the High Court bail adjournment, the charges against James Leen and Nathan McDonnell, the seizure of 543kg of crystal meth at Cork Port, and possible additional charges.
accused, James Leen, 41, male, named, irish (judged from name)James Leenaccused, Nathan McDonnell, 44, male, named, irish (judged from name)Nathan McDonnell