Case No. 2369Importation of controlled drugs (methylamphetamine), participation in a criminal organisation · Co. Kerry · 16 Oct 2023
Gang behind €32m crystal meth seizure linked to Sinaloa Cartel, Special Criminal Court hears
Nathan McDonnell, 44, of Tralee, Co Kerry, is at the Special Criminal Court for sentencing after pleading guilty to importing 564kg of crystal meth worth €32.4 million at Cork Port in October 2023 and participating in a transnational criminal organisation linked to Mexico's Sinaloa Cartel. His co-accused James Leen, 41, of Listowel, faces five charges including directing the criminal organisation and is due to stand trial in October 2025.
- Reportednot reported
- Arrestednot reported
- Chargednot reported
- In court10 Feb
- Verdict
- Sentenced
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet
Key facts
consolidated from all reports16 statements extracted from the articles
- what564kg of methylamphetamine (crystal meth) valued at €32.4 million was recovered from a metal separating machine. (irishtimes.com)
- whatOperatives used angle grinders over two days to open the machine at Cork Port. (irishtimes.com)
- whatMcDonnell was to be paid €150,000 for storing the machine and arranging its export to Australia. (irishtimes.com)
- whatMcDonnell was the chief executive of Ballyseedy Garden Centre at the time. (irishtimes.com)
- whatMcDonnell admitted storing the machine but said he was unaware of its contents. (irishtimes.com)
- whatThere was no evidence McDonnell received the €150,000 payment. (irishtimes.com)
- whatCCTV from February 2024 showed McDonnell operating a forklift to load the machine into a container for Cork harbour. (irishtimes.com)
- whereThe drugs were imported at Cork Port, Ringaskiddy, Co Cork. (irishtimes.com)
- whenMcDonnell pleaded guilty in October 2024. (irishtimes.com)
- investigationGardaí had been investigating the organised criminal group for more than a year. (irishtimes.com)
- chargeMcDonnell pleaded guilty to importing controlled drugs on 16 October 2023 at Cork Port. (irishtimes.com)
- chargeMcDonnell pleaded guilty to participating in a criminal organisation between 16 October 2023 and 12 February 2024. (irishtimes.com)
- chargeLeen faces five charges including directing a criminal organisation between 7 February 2023 and 16 February 2024. (irishtimes.com)
- chargeLeen is charged with possession of crystal meth at Ballyseedy Garden Centre between 27 October 2023 and 12 February 2024. (irishtimes.com)
- courtThe court remanded McDonnell in custody and hoped to finalise the case by the end of the month. (irishtimes.com)
- otherMcDonnell has no previous convictions. (irishtimes.com)
The reporting
newest first- 10 Feb2025Gang behind Co Kerry €32m crystal meth plot linked to Mexico’s Sinaloa Cartel, Special Criminal Court hears
Sentencing hearing for McDonnell at the Special Criminal Court; details of the Sinaloa Cartel connection, the €32.4m seizure, and the charges against co-accused James Leen.
accused, Nathan McDonnell, 44, male, named, irish (judged from name)Nathan McDonnellaccused, James Leen, 41, male, named, irish (judged from name)James Leen