Ireland Case No. 4409Importation of controlled drugs, facilitating a criminal organisation, unpaid income tax · Co. Kerry · 16 Oct 2023
Man jailed 12 years over record crystal meth importation at Cork Port
Customs officers seized 543kg of crystal meth worth an estimated €32.8 million from a container at Cork Port on 16 October 2023, the largest such seizure in the State, with the drugs shipped from Mexico and stored at Ballyseedy Garden Centre in Tralee, Co Kerry. men Nathan McDonnell, 44, of Ballyroe, Tralee, and James Leen, 41, of Listowel, were charged with drug importation, possession for sale or supply, and organised crime offences. McDonnell pleaded guilty in the Special Criminal Court to importing methylamphetamine and facilitating a criminal organisation, and was sentenced to 12 years in prison. Leen, who faces five charges including directing a criminal organisation, is yet to be tried. In December 2025, the High Court granted Revenue an order appointing a receiver over 50 per cent of the net proceeds of the sale of McDonnell's €795,000 family home to recover €125,135 in unpaid income tax.
- Reportednot reported
- Arrestednot reported
- Chargednot reported
- In court28 Feb
19 reports - Convicted14 Oct
- Sentenced
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet
Key facts
consolidated from all reports- What happened
- 543kg of crystal meth worth an estimated €32.8 million was seized from a container at Cork Port, the largest such seizure in the State (reported as 564kg in some accounts).
- Nathan McDonnell, 44 (reports differ: 43), of Ballyroe, Tralee, and James Leen, 41, of Listowel, were charged in connection with the seizure.
- Where
- The drugs were shipped from Mexico and stored at Ballyseedy Garden Centre in Tralee, Co Kerry, before being transported to Cork for export to Australia.
- When
- The container arrived at Cork Port on 16 October 2023; the alleged possession at the garden centre spanned 27 October 2023 to 12 February 2024.
- Charges
- McDonnell faces charges of importing methylamphetamine at Cork Port, possessing it for sale or supply at Ballyseedy Garden Centre, and facilitating a criminal organisation; Leen faces five charges including directing a criminal organisation.
- Investigation
- The seizure followed information from the Kerry Divisional Drugs Unit; follow-up searches in Kerry and Cork led to the arrests; CCTV footage shows McDonnell loading the machine into a container.
- In court
- Both men were refused bail at Tralee District Court in February 2024, in the High Court (McDonnell in March, Leen in April 2024), and the Court of Appeal refused McDonnell's appeal in May 2024.
- Both men were sent forward to the Special Criminal Court on all charges in July 2024.
- McDonnell pleaded guilty in the Special Criminal Court to importing methylamphetamine and facilitating a criminal organisation.
- In December 2025, the High Court granted Revenue an ex-parte order appointing a receiver over 50 per cent of the net proceeds of the sale of McDonnell's €795,000 family home.
- Sentence
- McDonnell was sentenced to 12 years in prison.
- Other details
- The drug came from an organised crime group with links to the Sinaloa Cartel in Mexico.
- McDonnell owed Revenue €125,135 in unpaid income tax between December 2020 and December 2023.
236 statements extracted from the articles
- whatThe seizure is described as the largest of crystal meth recorded in the State. (irishtimes.com)
- whatThe seizure was described as the biggest ever of methylamphetamine in the State, with an estimated value of €32.8 million. (irishtimes.com)
- whatMcDonnell is charged with possessing methylamphetamine for sale or supply. (irishtimes.com)
- whatCustoms officers found 543kg of crystal meth, estimated at €32.8 million, in a container at the Port of Cork. (irishtimes.com, irishmirror.ie)
- whatA Kerry businessman charged over the country's largest-ever crystal meth seizure has been denied bail in the High Court. (thejournal.ie, irishmirror.ie)
- whatCustoms officers discovered 543kg of crystal meth, estimated at €32.8 million, in a container at Cork Port. (thejournal.ie)
- whatCustoms officers found 543kg of crystal meth, valued at €32.8 million, in a container at the Port of Cork. (irishmirror.ie)
- whatJames Leen faces two charges of drug importation. (irishmirror.ie)
- whatTwo Co Kerry men are charged in connection with the largest ever seizure of crystal meth in the State. (irishtimes.com)
- whatGardaí seized 543kg of crystal meth, estimated at €32.8 million, in a container at the Port of Cork. (irishtimes.com)
- whatThe estimated street value of the haul is €32.8m. (thejournal.ie)
- whatA man was charged over the country's largest-ever crystal meth seizure, valued at more than €32 million. (irishtimes.com)
- whatThe seized machine contained 543kg of crystal meth. (irishtimes.com)
- whatGardaí said the value of the drugs in Ireland was €32.8 million. (irishtimes.com)
- what564kg of methamphetamine worth an estimated €32.8 million was seized from a container at Cork Port on February 16. (irishmirror.ie)
- whatA businessman is charged in connection with the largest seizure of crystal meth in the history of the State. (irishtimes.com)
- what564kg of methamphetamine with an estimated value of €32.8 million was seized from a container at Cork Port on February 16. (irishtimes.com)
- whatTwo men charged over the biggest crystal meth seizure in the State are to be tried in the non-jury Special Criminal Court. (rte.ie)
- whatTwo men were charged with the biggest ever seizure of crystal meth in the State. (irishmirror.ie)
- whatThe charges relate to the largest methylamphetamine seizure in the State's history. (rte.ie)
- whatNathan McDonnell pleaded guilty before the Special Criminal Court to drug importation and facilitating an organised crime gang. (irishtimes.com)
- whatThe machine stored at his garden centre contained more than €32 million of the drug. (irishmirror.ie)
- whatHe owed Revenue €125,135 in unpaid income tax between December 2020 and December 2023. (irishmirror.ie)
- whatNathan McDonnell ran the Ballyseedy Garden Centre in Tralee, Co Kerry. (irishtimes.com)
- whatHis business was used to store a machine containing more than €32 million of the drug. (irishtimes.com)
- whereMcDonnell is charged with possessing methylamphetamine at Ballyseedy Garden Centre, Tralee. (irishtimes.com)
- whereMcDonnell's alleged possession was at Ballyseedy Garden Centre, Tralee, Co Kerry. (irishtimes.com)
- whereThe drugs had been shipped from Mexico and stored at Ballyseedy Garden Centre since October. (irishtimes.com)
- whereThe container had been shipped from Mexico and stored at Ballyseedy Garden Centre since October. (rte.ie)
- whereThe drugs were shipped from Mexico and stored at Ballyseedy Garden Centre. (thejournal.ie)
- whereThe drugs were said to have been shipped from Mexico. (irishmirror.ie)
- whereThe machine was reportedly shipped from Mexico and stored at Ballyseedy Garden Centre since October. (irishmirror.ie)
- whereThe possession charge against McDonnell relates to Ballyseedy Garden Centre in Tralee. (irishtimes.com)
- whereCustoms officers at Cork Port examined a container following information gathered by the Kerry Divisional Drugs Unit. (thejournal.ie)
- whereThe shipment travelled to Ireland from Mexico and arrived at Cork Port on 16 October. (thejournal.ie)
- whereThe shipment arrived at Cork Port from Mexico. (irishtimes.com)
- whereThe alleged offence occurred at Ballyseedy Garden Centre, Tralee. (irishmirror.ie, irishtimes.com)
- whereThe State solicitor for the DPP made the application at Tralee District Court. (rte.ie)
- whereFollow-up searches in counties Kerry and Cork led to McDonnell's arrest. (irishtimes.com)
- whereThe family home at Clashaphuca, Ballyroe, Tralee is for sale at €795,000. (irishmirror.ie)
- whereMcDonnell is in Portlaoise Prison and was given liberty to apply to court about the order. (irishmirror.ie)
- whereHis family home at Ballyroe, Tralee, is for sale at €795,000. (irishtimes.com)
- whenMcDonnell's alleged possession spanned October 27th, 2023 to February 12th, 2024. (irishtimes.com)
- whenMcDonnell's alleged possession was between 27 October 2023 and 12 February 2024. (irishtimes.com)
- whenLeen is charged with importing methylamphetamine at Cork Port, Ringaskiddy, Co Cork, on 16 October 2023. (irishtimes.com)
- whenJames Leen faces charges of drug importation at Cork Port on 16 October 2023. (thejournal.ie)
- whenThe possession charge against McDonnell covers the period between October 27th, 2023 and February 12th, 2024. (irishtimes.com)
- whenThe alleged offence is said to have occurred between October 27, 2023, and February 12 2024. (irishmirror.ie)
- whenThe alleged offence occurred between October 27th, 2023, and February 12th, 2024. (irishtimes.com)
- whenThe two men first appeared before a special sitting of Tralee District Court on February 23. (thejournal.ie)
- whenThe alleged offences are dated from October 2023 to February 2024. (rte.ie)
- whenThe alleged offences took place between October 2023 and February 2024. (irishmirror.ie)
- whenThe alleged organised crime offences ran from 16 October 2023 to 16 February 2024. (rte.ie)
- whenMcDonnell pleaded guilty to importing methylamphetamine on October 16th, 2023 at Cork Port, Ringaskiddy. (irishtimes.com)
- causeThe drugs were shipped from Mexico inside a machine and stored at Ballyseedy Garden Centre since October. (irishtimes.com)
- investigationDPP directions for McDonnell were not yet available, as further charges are being considered. (irishtimes.com)
- investigationThe book of evidence for Leen was not yet ready. (irishtimes.com)
- investigationDetective Sergeant Ernie Henderson objected to bail because of the seriousness of the case and flight risk concerns. (irishtimes.com)
- investigationCustoms officers found 543kg of crystal meth worth an estimated €32.8 million in a container. (rte.ie)
- investigationDetective Sergeant Ernie Henderson of Tralee station has detailed knowledge of the case. (irishmirror.ie)
- investigationThe men were arrested in connection with the discovery of the crystal meth. (irishtimes.com)
- investigationA sergeant said it was highly unlikely the books of evidence would be ready in two weeks. (irishtimes.com)
- investigationGardaí obtained phone evidence. (thejournal.ie)
- investigationThere is CCTV footage of McDonnell loading the machine into a container at the garden centre. (thejournal.ie)
- investigationFurther serious charges are to be considered. (thejournal.ie)
- investigationCustoms officers at Cork Port examined a container based on information gathered by the Kerry Divisional Drugs Unit. (irishtimes.com)
- investigationFollow-up searches in Kerry and Cork led to Mr McDonnell's arrest. (irishmirror.ie)
- investigationThe arrest followed a joint operation by gardaí and Revenue Officers. (irishtimes.com)
- investigationFollow-up searches in Kerry and Cork led to the accused's arrest. (irishtimes.com)
- investigationThe DPP had directed further charges to be proffered against the men. (thejournal.ie)
- investigationGardaí and Revenue officers seized 564kg of methamphetamine worth an estimated €32.8 million from a container at Cork Port on February 16th. (irishtimes.com)
- investigationRevenue is concerned there may be an attempt to dissipate his assets. (irishmirror.ie)
- chargeMcDonnell is charged with possessing methylamphetamine worth €13,000 or more for sale or supply. (irishtimes.com)
- chargeLeen is charged with the same possession offence. (irishtimes.com)
- chargeLeen is further charged with importing methylamphetamine at Cork Port, Ringaskiddy, on October 16th, 2023. (irishtimes.com)
- chargeLeen is charged with possessing methylamphetamine for sale or supply. (irishtimes.com)
- chargeJames Leen faces two charges of importation at Cork Port, Ringaskiddy, on October 16, 2023, of crystal meth. (irishtimes.com)
- chargeJames Leen is also charged with possession of crystal meth worth €13,000 or more at Ballyseedy Garden Centre between October 27, 2023, and February 12, 2024. (irishtimes.com)
- chargeNathan McDonnell is charged with possession of drugs worth more than €13,000 for sale or supply at the garden centre between October 27 and February 12. (irishtimes.com)
- chargeJames Leen faces two charges of drug importation at Cork Port on 16 October 2023. (rte.ie)
- chargeLeen is charged with possession of drugs worth €13,000 or more at Ballyseedy Garden Centre between 27 October 2023 and 12 February 2024. (rte.ie)
- chargeMcDonnell is charged with possession of drugs worth more than €13,000 for sale or supply at the garden centre between 27 October and 12 February. (rte.ie)
- chargeNathan McDonnell has been charged with possessing drugs worth more than €13,000 for sale or supply at the garden centre. (thejournal.ie)
- chargeJames Leen faces two charges of drug importation at Cork Port, Ringaskiddy, on October 16, 2023. (irishmirror.ie)
- chargeJames Leen also faces a possession charge for drugs worth €13,000 or more at Ballyseedy Garden Centre between October 27, 2023, and February 12, 2024. (irishmirror.ie)
- chargeNathan McDonnell has been charged with possession of drugs worth more than €13,000 for sale or supply at the garden centre between October 27 and February 12. (irishmirror.ie)
- chargeA businessman was charged in connection with Ireland's biggest crystal meth seizure. (extra.ie)
- chargeLeen also faces a charge of possessing crystal meth worth €13,000 or more at Ballyseedy Garden Centre. (irishmirror.ie, thejournal.ie)
- chargeNathan McDonnell is charged with possessing drugs worth more than €13,000 for sale or supply at the garden centre. (irishmirror.ie)
- chargeNathan McDonnell is charged with possessing methylamphetamine worth €13,000 or more for sale or supply. (irishtimes.com)
- chargeJames Leen is charged with the same possession offence. (irishtimes.com)
- chargeLeen is further charged with importing methylamphetamine worth €13,000 or more at Cork Port on October 16th, 2023. (irishtimes.com)
- chargeLeen faces two charges of drug importation at Cork Port on 16 October 2023. (thejournal.ie)
- chargeJames Leen faces two charges of drug importation at Cork Port, Ringaskiddy. (irishtimes.com)
- chargeJames Leen is accused of possessing crystal meth worth €13,000 or more at Ballyseedy Garden Centre. (irishtimes.com)
- chargeNathan McDonnell is charged with possession of more than €13,000 worth of crystal meth for sale or supply. (irishmirror.ie)
- chargeNathan McDonnell is charged with possession of more than €13,000 worth of crystal meth for sale or supply under section 15A of the Misuse of Drugs Act. (irishtimes.com)
- chargeNathan McDonnell is charged with possessing methylamphetamine worth €13,000 or more for sale or supply at Ballyseedy Garden Centre, Tralee, between October 27, 2023 and February 12, 2024. (thejournal.ie)
- chargeJames Leen is charged with the same possession for sale or supply offence as Nathan McDonnell. (thejournal.ie)
- chargeJames Leen is further charged with importing methylamphetamine worth €13,000 or more at Cork Port, Ringaskiddy, on October 16, 2023. (thejournal.ie)
- chargeNathan McDonnell is accused of possessing crystal meth worth over €13,000 at Ballyseedy Garden Centre, Tralee, for sale or supply. (rte.ie)
- chargeNathan McDonnell is also accused of importing the drug into Ireland at Cork Port and of facilitating a criminal organisation to commit serious offences. (rte.ie)
- chargeJames Leen has been charged with directing the activities of a criminal organisation within the State. (rte.ie, irishmirror.ie)
- chargeJames Leen faces charges of possessing the drugs for sale or supply at Ballyseedy and importing them at Cork Port. (rte.ie)
- chargeNathan McDonnell is accused of possessing crystal meth worth over €13,000 at Ballyseedy Garden Centre in Tralee. (irishmirror.ie)
- chargeNathan McDonnell is accused of possession for sale or supply. (irishmirror.ie)
- chargeNathan McDonnell is accused of importing the drug into Ireland at Cork Port. (irishmirror.ie)
- chargeNathan McDonnell is accused of facilitating a criminal organisation to commit serious offences. (irishmirror.ie)
- chargeJames Leen faces similar charges of possession for sale and supply at Ballyseedy and importation at Cork port. (irishmirror.ie)
- chargeMcDonnell is charged with facilitating a serious offence by a criminal organisation, namely importation, sale and supply of controlled drugs. (rte.ie)
- chargeLeen is charged with being a director of a criminal organisation. (rte.ie)
- chargeEach man faces four charges under the Misuse of Drugs Acts. (rte.ie)
- chargeThe drug charges include importation of methylamphetamine at Cork Port on 16 October 2023. (rte.ie)
- chargeThe drug charges also include possession and possession for sale or supply at Ballyseedy Garden Centre, Tralee, between 27 October and 12 February 2024. (rte.ie)
- chargeMcDonnell also pleaded guilty to participating in activity that could facilitate a criminal organisation's serious offences between October 16th, 2023 and February 12th, 2024. (irishtimes.com)
- chargeCo-accused James Leen faces five charges, including directing the activities of a criminal organisation between February 7th, 2023 and February 16th. (irishtimes.com)
- chargeHe also pleaded guilty to facilitating the activities of a criminal organisation. (irishmirror.ie)
- chargeHe pleaded guilty in the Special Criminal Court in February to importing drugs into Cork on October 16th, 2023, and to facilitating the activities of a criminal organisation. (irishtimes.com)
- courtMcDonnell previously replied not guilty when charged. (irishtimes.com)
- courtLeen made no reply when charged. (irishtimes.com)
- courtThe two men appeared by video link before Tralee District Court on Wednesday. (irishtimes.com)
- courtSolicitors for the two men said bail applications were being made to the High Court. (irishtimes.com)
- courtThe judge remanded both men in custody for two weeks, with the next appearance on March 13th. (irishtimes.com)
- courtLeen appeared by video link from Cork Prison. (irishtimes.com)
- courtMcDonnell appeared by video link from Portlaoise prison. (irishtimes.com)
- courtThe book of evidence was not available yet, and the prosecution applied for further remand. (irishtimes.com)
- courtA bail application for Leen was pending in the High Court on Thursday. (irishtimes.com)
- courtJudge David Waters remanded both men in custody to appear in Tralee District Court on 27 March. (irishtimes.com)
- courtThe men were refused bail in February but could make a fresh application to the High Court. (irishtimes.com)
- courtJames Leen asked, through counsel, to defer his bail application until the following Thursday. (irishtimes.com)
- courtNathan McDonnell's father offered to stand bail and put forward €100,000 from his life savings as a surety. (irishtimes.com)
- courtThe judge will deliver her ruling the following Tuesday. (irishtimes.com)
- courtNathan McDonnell has been denied bail in the High Court. (rte.ie)
- courtBoth men were refused bail at their first District Court hearings in February. (rte.ie)
- courtMcDonnell's bail application was heard by Ms Justice Karen O'Connor. (rte.ie)
- courtMcDonnell's father offered €100,000 from his life savings as a surety. (rte.ie, irishmirror.ie)
- courtGardaí objected to bail due to the seriousness of the case and flight risk concerns. (rte.ie, thejournal.ie)
- courtThe judge said the surety offered was not sufficient and no conditions would allay garda concerns. (rte.ie)
- courtLeen's High Court bail application is scheduled to proceed on Thursday. (rte.ie)
- courtThe men face their next District Court appearance the following day. (rte.ie)
- courtJudge Karen O'Connor said the allegations were very serious offending. (thejournal.ie)
- courtMcDonnell's father offered €100,000 as a surety. (thejournal.ie)
- courtThe judge ruled the surety was insufficient and no conditions would address garda concerns, and she denied bail. (thejournal.ie)
- courtThe High Court denied McDonnell's bail application. (thejournal.ie)
- courtBoth men had been refused bail at their first District Court hearings in February. (thejournal.ie)
- courtLeen's High Court bail application was scheduled for Thursday. (thejournal.ie)
- courtThe men were refused bail at their first District Court hearings in February. (irishmirror.ie)
- courtA detective objected to bail because of the seriousness of the case and flight risk concerns. (irishmirror.ie)
- courtThe judge denied McDonnell's bail application, finding the surety insufficient and no conditions adequate. (irishmirror.ie)
- courtThe judge said no conditions would allay the garda concerns. (irishmirror.ie)
- courtThe men will face their next District Court appearance the following day. (irishmirror.ie)
- courtThe businessman was refused bail. (extra.ie)
- courtLeen and McDonnell were refused bail at their first District Court hearings in February. (irishmirror.ie)
- courtMcDonnell's High Court bail application was refused. (irishmirror.ie)
- courtJustice Caroline Biggs adjourned Leen's bail application because of garda witness availability. (irishmirror.ie)
- courtThe State opposes Leen's bail application, which will now go ahead on April 12. (irishmirror.ie)
- courtThe men first appeared before the court on February 23rd and have been remanded in custody since. (irishtimes.com)
- courtGardaí sought a further two-week remand. (irishtimes.com)
- courtThe judge remanded both men in custody to appear via video link on April 24th. (irishtimes.com)
- courtA bail application for Leen was being heard in the High Court. (irishtimes.com)
- courtMcDonnell was recently refused bail in the High Court and is taking the matter to the Court of Appeal. (irishtimes.com)
- courtLeen and co-accused Nathan McDonnell were denied District Court bail in February. (thejournal.ie)
- courtLeen was refused bail after the judge held that he was a flight risk. (thejournal.ie)
- courtThe judge held that the evidence supported the probability that Leen would not attend his trial if released. (thejournal.ie)
- courtA High Court judge refused James Leen bail after deeming him a flight risk. (irishtimes.com)
- courtThe judge said there was a probability that James Leen would not attend his trial if released. (irishtimes.com)
- courtMr McDonnell was denied bail in the High Court in April and appealed to the Court of Appeal. (irishmirror.ie)
- courtThe defence said the accused would offer an independent cash surety of €100,000 and abide by any conditions set by the court. (irishmirror.ie)
- courtThe three-judge Court of Appeal refused bail because of the high value of the drugs. (irishmirror.ie)
- courtThe State is seeking for the case to be dealt with in the non-jury Special Criminal Court. (irishmirror.ie)
- courtThe accused was remanded in custody awaiting a book of evidence. (irishmirror.ie)
- courtBail was refused by the High Court in April, and the accused appealed to the Court of Appeal. (irishtimes.com)
- courtThe defence offered an independent cash surety of €100,000 and agreed to abide by any conditions. (irishtimes.com)
- courtThe three-judge Court of Appeal refused bail due to the high value of the drugs. (irishtimes.com)
- courtThe State will apply for the case to be dealt with in the non-jury Special Criminal Court. (irishtimes.com)
- courtThe accused was remanded in custody awaiting the serving of a book of evidence. (irishtimes.com)
- courtFurther charges were being proffered against two Kerry men over the biggest ever seizure of crystal meth in the State. (thejournal.ie)
- courtThe court ordered both men to appear in person at Tralee District Court in two weeks on the further charges. (thejournal.ie)
- courtJudge David Waters remanded both men in continuing custody to appear in person at Tralee District Court on July 17. (thejournal.ie)
- courtA State Solicitor told the judge that both men would be sent forward for trial to the Special Criminal Court. (rte.ie)
- courtBoth men are to appear in person before the District Court in Tralee the following day. (rte.ie)
- courtThe matter was listed for mention in Killarney about Nathan McDonnell's likely approach to the allegations. (rte.ie)
- courtThe District Court in Killarney heard the matter. (irishmirror.ie)
- courtThe State Solicitor said both men would be sent forward for trial to the Special Criminal Court. (irishmirror.ie)
- courtBoth men were due to appear in person before Tralee District Court the next day. (irishmirror.ie)
- courtTwo men were sent forward to a sitting of the Special Criminal Court on drug and organised crime charges. (rte.ie)
- courtThe DPP certified that the ordinary courts would be inadequate to secure justice on the four drugs charges. (rte.ie)
- courtJudge David Waters sent Leen forward on all five charges. (rte.ie)
- courtThe State applied to send McDonnell forward on all five charges. (rte.ie)
- courtMcDonnell was remanded in custody until December 17th, when he will be sentenced. (irishtimes.com)
- courtLeen's trial date was not set; the judge adjourned the matter to November 11th for mention. (irishtimes.com)
- courtHe pleaded guilty in the Special Criminal Court in February. (irishmirror.ie)
- courtThere was no appearance by McDonnell when Revenue sought summary judgment. (irishmirror.ie)
- courtMr Justice Brian Cregan granted Revenue an order appointing a receiver over 50pc of the net proceeds of the sale. (irishmirror.ie)
- courtThe application was made ex parte, with only Revenue represented. (irishmirror.ie)
- courtSolicitor Harry Fehily was appointed as receiver. (irishmirror.ie)
- courtThe High Court heard that the businessman faces having to forfeit part of the proceeds of the sale of his €795,000 family home. (irishtimes.com)
- courtRevenue notified him that it was seeking summary judgment, but he did not appear. (irishtimes.com)
- courtMr Justice Brian Cregan granted Revenue an order appointing a receiver over 50 per cent of the net proceeds of the sale. (irishtimes.com)
- sentenceThe offences carry a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and a maximum life sentence on conviction. (thejournal.ie)
- sentenceThe offences, on conviction, carry a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and a maximum life sentence. (irishtimes.com)
- sentenceIf convicted, Mr McDonnell could face a minimum of ten years in prison. (irishmirror.ie)
- sentenceMcDonnell was jailed for 12 years for importing the State's largest ever crystal meth seizure. (irishmirror.ie)
- sentenceHe received a 12-year jail term. (irishtimes.com)
- otherMcDonnell is chief executive of the Ballyseedy Group. (irishtimes.com)
- otherMcDonnell is 43 and is from Ballyroe, Tralee. (irishtimes.com)
- otherLeen is 41 and is from Pilgrim Hill, Kilmorna, Listowel. (irishtimes.com)
- otherThe men may face additional charges, and the DPP's directions were required. (rte.ie, irishmirror.ie)
- otherMcDonnell watched the proceedings via video link from prison. (rte.ie, thejournal.ie)
- otherThe man may face additional charges, and the DPP's directions were required. (thejournal.ie)
- otherMcDonnell watched the High Court proceedings by video link from prison. (irishmirror.ie)
- otherMcDonnell replied not guilty when charged. (irishtimes.com)
- otherLeen's father offered to sell the family home and put up €200,000 for bail. (thejournal.ie)
- otherThe hearing was told Leen was setting up a travel app. (thejournal.ie)
- otherGardaí believed James Leen was the logistics figure in the importation. (irishtimes.com)
- otherFurther serious charges are to be considered in the case. (irishtimes.com)
- otherCCTV footage shows Nathan McDonnell loading the machine into a container at the garden centre. (irishtimes.com)
- otherThe defence said James Leen's father would sell the family home to raise €200,000 bail. (irishtimes.com)
- otherThe defence said the accused is a father of three young children with ties to Ireland and no connection to any foreign jurisdiction. (irishmirror.ie)
- otherThe State's case is that the drugs were imported from Mexico and stored at the accused's garden centre before being transported to Cork for export to Australia. (irishtimes.com)
- otherThe book of evidence was due to be ready on July 30. (thejournal.ie)
- otherNathan McDonnell's solicitor said his client was taking a particular course in response to the charges. (rte.ie)
- otherThe judge said he believed there was no provision under the 1939 Act for sending an accused person forward to the Special Criminal Court on a signed plea. (rte.ie)
- otherMcDonnell's solicitor said his client has grasped the nettle. (irishmirror.ie)
- otherLeen's solicitor said he was reserving the right to appeal the decision. (rte.ie)
- otherJudge Waters refused to decide McDonnell's legal aid application without supporting evidence. (rte.ie)
- otherLeen was returned to Cork Prison and McDonnell to Portlaoise. (rte.ie)
- otherThe State's case is that the drugs were imported from Mexico and stored at Ballyseedy Garden Centre before being transported to Cork for export to Australia. (irishtimes.com)
- otherThe drug came from an organised crime group with links to the Sinaloa Cartel. (irishmirror.ie)
- otherThe other half of the house is owned by his wife, Jackie McDonnell. (irishmirror.ie)
- otherThe drug came from an organised crime group with links to the Sinaloa Cartel in Mexico. (irishtimes.com)
- otherThe machine was intended to travel on to Australia. (irishtimes.com)
- otherHe ran up a debt of €125,135 to Revenue in unpaid income tax between December 2020 and December 2023. (irishtimes.com)
- otherHalf of the property is owned by McDonnell and the other half by his wife Jackie McDonnell. (irishtimes.com)
- otherRevenue is concerned there may be an attempt to liquidate and dissipate his assets to prevent collection of the unpaid tax. (irishtimes.com)
- otherMcDonnell is in Portlaoise Prison and was granted liberty to apply to court regarding the order. (irishtimes.com)
The reporting
newest first- 4 Dec2025Businessman jailed over State’s largest crystal meth haul faces forfeiting part of house sale
High Court grants Revenue an order appointing a receiver over half of the net proceeds of the sale of McDonnell's home to recover unpaid tax.
convicted, Nathan McDonnell, 44, male, named, irish (judged from name)Nathan McDonnell - 4 Dec2025Businessman jailed over €32m crystal meth haul faces fresh blow over home sale
Revenue obtained an ex-parte High Court order appointing a receiver over McDonnell's 50% share of the net proceeds of his family home.
convicted, Nathan McDonnell, 44, male, named, irish (judged from name)Nathan McDonnell - 14 Oct2024Businessman pleads guilty to drug importation and facilitating criminal gang in relation to record crystal meth haul
Reports McDonnell's guilty pleas before the Special Criminal Court, the seizure of 564kg of crystal meth at Cork Port, the follow-up arrest, and the co-accused's five charges. No existing case in the list covers this incident.
convicted, Nathan McDonnell, 44, male, named, irish (judged from name)Nathan McDonnellaccused, James Leen, 41, male, named, irish (judged from name)James Leen - 30 Jul2024Special Criminal Court to hear drugs seizure case
Both men were sent forward to the Special Criminal Court on all five charges at Tralee District Court. Leen's solicitor reserved the right to appeal. McDonnell's legal aid application was refused pending evidence of his business interests. Leen was returned to Cork Prison and McDonnell to Portlaoise.
accused, James Leen, 41, male, named, irish (judged from name)James Leenaccused, Nathan McDonnell, 44, male, named, irish (judged from name)Nathan McDonnell - 29 Jul2024Man charged over largest ever crystal meth seizure 'has grasped the nettle'
Reports that the two men charged over the largest ever crystal meth seizure in the State will be sent forward to the Special Criminal Court, and that the accused are to appear before Tralee District Court the next day. Gives the charges against Nathan McDonnell and James Leen and their solicitors' positions.
accused, Nathan McDonnell, 44, male, named, irish (judged from name)Nathan McDonnellaccused, James Leen, 41, male, named, irish (judged from name)James Leen - 29 Jul2024Pair to face drugs trial in Special Criminal Court
Reports that the two accused will be tried in the non-jury Special Criminal Court, that Nathan McDonnell has indicated his approach to the charges, and that both men are due in Tralee District Court the following day. Also gives the charge details for each man.
accused, Nathan McDonnell, 44, named, irish (judged from name)Nathan McDonnellaccused, James Leen, 41, named, irish (judged from name)James Leen - 3 Jul2024Two Kerry men charged with the biggest ever seizure of crystal meth in the State to appear before the court
Tralee District Court heard that the DPP had directed further charges against both men. Both were remanded in custody to appear in person on July 17, and the book of evidence was due on July 30. The article gives the charge dates, locations and the first court appearance on February 23.
accused, Nathan McDonnell, 43, male, named, irish (judged from name)Nathan McDonnellaccused, James Leen, 41, male, named, irish (judged from name)James Leen - 17 May2024Businessman charged over Ireland’s largest crystal meth seizure loses appeal for bail
Reports the Court of Appeal refusing bail to the accused, who was charged over a crystal meth seizure of 564kg at Cork Port. The State is seeking to have the case heard in the Special Criminal Court. No existing case matched this incident.
accused, Nathan McDonnell, 43, male, named, irish (judged from name)Nathan McDonnell - 17 May2024Businessman charged over largest ever crystal meth seizure to remain in custody
Reports that the Court of Appeal refused bail, that the State will seek to have the case heard in the Special Criminal Court, and that the accused was remanded in custody pending a book of evidence. Gives the alleged offence location and period and the State's account of the drug route.
accused, Nathan McDonnell, 43, male, named, irish (judged from name)Nathan McDonnell - 12 Apr2024Man charged over €32m Ballyseedy Garden Centre crystal meth haul refused bail due to flight risk
Reports the High Court refusal of bail for James Leen, who is charged with drug importation and possession of crystal meth, and gives details of the seizure and the case against him.
accused, James Leen, 41, male, named, irish (judged from name)James Leenaccused, Nathan McDonnell, male, named, irish (judged from name)Nathan McDonnell - 12 Apr2024Kerry man described as 'logistics figure' in crystal meth haul case refused bail over flight risk
Reports the High Court refusal of James Leen's fresh bail application on 12 April 2024, with the judge finding a flight risk. Adds the bail hearing details, the father's offer of €200,000 bail, and the charges and penalty described at the hearing.
accused, James Leen, 41, male, named, irish (judged from name)James Leenaccused, Nathan McDonnell, named, irish (judged from name)Nathan McDonnell - 10 Apr2024Men accused over Ballyseedy Garden Centre crystal meth haul further remanded in custody
Reports a further remand in custody for two men charged over the Ballyseedy Garden Centre crystal meth haul, with details of the charges, the seizure and the bail applications.
accused, Nathan McDonnell, 43, male, named, irish (judged from name)Nathan McDonnellaccused, James Leen, 41, male, named, irish (judged from name)James Leen - 28 Mar2024'Complex' bail bid by Kerry man charged over crystal meth seizure stalls
Reports the High Court bail hearing for James Leen being stalled and adjourned to April 12, with the State opposing, and the refusal of co-accused Nathan McDonnell's bail.
accused, James Leen, 41, male, named, irish (judged from name)James Leenaccused, Nathan McDonnell, 44, male, named, irish (judged from name)Nathan McDonnell - 26 Mar2024Businessman Charged In Connection With Ireland's Biggest Crystal Meth Seizure Refused Bail
Only the headline is usable. The article text is an unrendered HTML/JavaScript search template with no body, summary, date of the seizure, location or court details.
accused - 26 Mar2024Kerry businessman charged over huge crystal meth seizure is denied bail
Reports the High Court refusal of bail for McDonnell, the surety offered, the judge's reasons, and that both men may face additional charges.
accused, Nathan McDonnell, 44, male, named, irish (judged from name)Nathan McDonnellaccused, James Leen, 41, male, named, irish (judged from name)James Leen - 26 Mar2024Kerry businessman denied bail in €32m crystal meth haul case
Reports that McDonnell was refused High Court bail by Ms Justice Karen O'Connor on 26 March 2024, after the District Court had refused bail in February. It also gives the seizure and charge details, notes Leen's High Court bail hearing was pending, and reports that the DPP's directions were required on possible additional charges.
accused, Nathan McDonnell, 44, male, named, irish (judged from name)Nathan McDonnellaccused, James Leen, 41, male, named, irish (judged from name)James Leen - 26 Mar2024Kerry businessman charged over meth seizure denied bail
Reports that McDonnell lost his High Court bail application, with the judge rejecting a €100,000 surety and finding no conditions would address garda concerns. Adds that Leen faces a pending High Court bail application and that further charges may follow.
accused, Nathan McDonnell, 44, male, named, irish (judged from name)Nathan McDonnellaccused, James Leen, 41, male, named, irish (judged from name)James Leen - 22 Mar2024Father of businessman charged over crystal meth seizure offers €100,000 bail
Reports a bail hearing in the High Court for two men charged over the crystal meth seizure. Adds the charges against each man, the amount seized and its value, the bail offer, and the date the judge will rule.
accused, James Leen, 41, male, named, irish (judged from name)James Leenaccused, Nathan McDonnell, 44, male, named, irish (judged from name)Nathan McDonnell - 13 Mar2024Two men further remanded over Co Kerry crystal meth seizure
Reports the two men's further remand in custody at Tralee District Court, the charges against each man, and that a High Court bail application was pending. Gives the estimated value of the seizure, €32.8 million.
accused, Nathan McDonnell, 43, male, named, irish (judged from name)Nathan McDonnellaccused, James Leen, 41, male, named, irish (judged from name)James Leen - 28 Feb2024Two men further remanded over crystal meth seizure at Ballyseedy Garden Centre
Reports the further remand of two men charged over the crystal meth seizure, including their court appearances, bail applications, the DPP's pending directions and the book of evidence status.
accused, Nathan McDonnell, 43, male, named, irish (judged from name)Nathan McDonnellaccused, James Leen, 41, male, named, irish (judged from name)James Leen