Ireland Two Kerry men charged over largest ever crystal meth seizure to be tried in Special Criminal Court
Between October 2023 and February 2024, Nathan McDonnell, 44, and James Leen, 41, are accused of offences linked to what has been described as the largest ever seizure of crystal meth in the State, at Ballyseedy Garden Centre in Tralee and at Cork Port. Both men were charged, and on 29 July 2024 the District Court in Killarney heard that they would be sent forward for trial to the Special Criminal Court. McDonnell's solicitor said his client had "grasped the nettle" and that the matter was being mentioned at his request to indicate his client's position on a signed plea. The latest development is that both men are due to appear in person before Tralee District Court on Tuesday, 30 July 2024.
- Reportednot reported
- Arrestednot reported
- Chargednot reported
- In court29 Jul
- Verdict
- Sentenced
Key facts
consolidated from all reports- What happened
- Two men were charged over the largest ever seizure of crystal meth, methylamphetamine, in the State.
- When
- The alleged offences took place between October 2023 and February 2024.
- Where
- The alleged possession took place at Ballyseedy Garden Centre in Tralee, and the alleged importation at Cork Port.
- Charges
- Nathan McDonnell, 44, is accused of possessing crystal meth worth over €13,000 for sale or supply.
- Nathan McDonnell is accused of importing the drug into Ireland at Cork Port.
- Nathan McDonnell is accused of facilitating a criminal organisation to commit serious offences.
- James Leen, 41, has been charged with directing the activities of a criminal organisation within the State.
- James Leen faces charges of possession for sale or supply at Ballyseedy and importation at Cork Port.
- In court
- The District Court in Killarney heard the matter on 29 July 2024.
- The State Solicitor said both men would be sent forward for trial to the non-jury Special Criminal Court.
- Both men are due to appear in person before Tralee District Court on Tuesday, 30 July 2024.
- Other details
- McDonnell's solicitor, Padraig O'Connell, said his client had "grasped the nettle".
12 statements extracted from the articles
- whatTwo men were charged with the biggest ever seizure of crystal meth in the State. (irishmirror.ie)
- whenThe alleged offences took place between October 2023 and February 2024. (irishmirror.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 has been charged with directing the activities of a criminal organisation within the State. (irishmirror.ie)
- chargeJames Leen faces similar charges of possession for sale and supply at Ballyseedy and importation at Cork port. (irishmirror.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)
- otherMcDonnell's solicitor said his client has grasped the nettle. (irishmirror.ie)
The reporting
newest first- 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