Case No. 2212Importing methylamphetamine, involvement with a criminal organisation in importation and supply of a controlled drug · Co. Kerry · 16 Oct 2023
Kerry businessman Nathan McDonnell jailed for 12 years for importing €32.4m crystal meth
Nathan McDonnell, a 44-year-old man from Co Kerry, pleaded guilty on 16 October 2023 to importing methylamphetamine with a street value of €32.4 million at Cork Port, Ringaskiddy, Co Cork, and to involvement with a criminal organisation in the importation and supply of a controlled drug. The drugs, linked to the Mexican Sinaloa Cartel, were hidden inside a large machine stored at his Ballyseedy garden centre, where he was to be paid €150,000 by a crime gang for storing the machine and arranging its transport to Australia. On 28 February 2025, the Special Criminal Court sentenced McDonnell to 12 years in prison.
- Reportednot reported
- Arrestednot reported
- Chargednot reported
- In courtnot reported
- Verdictnot reported
- Sentenced28 Feb
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet
Key facts
consolidated from all reports- What happened
- The methylamphetamine had a street value of €32.4 million and was linked to the Mexican Sinaloa Cartel.
- McDonnell was to be paid €150,000 by a crime gang based in Kerry for storing a large machine containing the drugs and arranging its transportation to Australia.
- Where
- The machine was stored at Ballyseedy garden centre, Co Kerry, and the drugs were imported at Cork Port, Ringaskiddy, Co Cork.
- When
- McDonnell pleaded guilty on 16 October 2023.
- Charges
- McDonnell pleaded guilty to importing methylamphetamine and to involvement with a criminal organisation in the importation and supply of a controlled drug between October 2023 and February 2024.
- Investigation
- A search of the Listowel property uncovered two submachine guns and ammunition magazines.
- In court
- The case was heard at the Special Criminal Court, presided over by Ms Justice Melanie Greally sitting with Judge Sarah Berkeley and Judge Grainne Malone.
- Sentence
- McDonnell was sentenced to 12 years in prison on 28 February 2025.
- Other details
- McDonnell ran Ballyseedy Home & Garden, a family business in operation for 30 years over three generations, employing more than 140 people, and the holding company now had a value of zero.
- McDonnell was beaten up in Portlaoise Prison the weekend before sentencing and had surgery on his face.
- McDonnell's initial involvement was linked to severe financial difficulties and addiction problems in the immediate family.
- McDonnell was previously questioned by gardaí about suspected involvement in a number of crimes, including murder.
16 statements extracted from the articles
- whatHe was to be paid €150,000 by an Irish crime gang based in Kerry for storing a large machine containing drugs. (irishtimes.com)
- whatThe drugs had a street value of €32.4 million. (irishtimes.com)
- whatMcDonnell was to arrange transportation of the drugs to Australia. (irishtimes.com)
- whereThe machine was stored at Ballyseedy garden centre, Co Kerry. (irishtimes.com)
- investigationA later search of the same Listowel property uncovered two submachine guns and ammunition magazines. (irishtimes.com)
- chargeMcDonnell pleaded guilty to importing methylamphetamine on 16 October 2023 at Cork Port, Ringaskiddy, Co Cork. (irishtimes.com)
- chargeHe also pleaded guilty to involvement with a criminal organisation in the importation and supply of a controlled drug between October 2023 and February 2024. (irishtimes.com)
- courtMs Justice Melanie Greally presided, sitting with Judge Sarah Berkeley and Judge Grainne Malone. (irishtimes.com)
- sentenceMcDonnell was sentenced to 12 years in prison by the Special Criminal Court. (irishtimes.com)
- otherThe drugs were linked to the Mexican Sinaloa Cartel. (irishtimes.com)
- otherMcDonnell was beaten up in Portlaoise Prison the weekend before sentencing and had surgery on his face. (irishtimes.com)
- otherMcDonnell ran Ballyseedy Home & Garden, a family business in operation for 30 years over three generations. (irishtimes.com)
- otherThe business group employed more than 140 people. (irishtimes.com)
- otherThe holding company now had a value of zero. (irishtimes.com)
- otherMcDonnell's initial involvement was linked to severe financial difficulties and addiction problems in the immediate family. (irishtimes.com)
- otherThe named individual was previously questioned by gardaí about suspected involvement in a number of crimes, including murder. (irishtimes.com)
The reporting
newest first- 28 Feb2025Kerry businessman jailed for 12 years over largest crystal meth seizure in State’s history
Sentencing by the Special Criminal Court; details of the €32.4m seizure, the Sinaloa Cartel link, the Listowel property searches, and McDonnell's recent prison assault in Portlaoise.
convicted, Nathan McDonnell, 44, male, named, irish (judged from name)Nathan McDonnell