Ireland Case No. 6478Drug trafficking (methylamphetamine) · Co. Cork
Two men charged over €32.8m methylamphetamine seizure at Cork Port
Around 15 and 16 February 2024, gardaí and Revenue officers seized 546kg of a synthetic drug, estimated at €32.8 million, from a shipping container at Cork Port, Ringaskiddy, and it was later identified as crystal methamphetamine. Two men in their 40s, Nathan McDonnell (43) and James Leen, were arrested in follow-up searches in Cork and Kerry on Friday 16 February, when two firearms were also seized, and were detained under Section 50 of the Criminal Justice Act 2007 with their detention extended at Tralee District Court. On 23 February both men appeared at a special sitting of Tralee District Court, where McDonnell was charged with possession of methylamphetamine for sale or supply and Leen with importing it at Cork Port, and both were remanded in custody. Both are due to appear by video-link at Tralee District Court on 28 February.
- Reportednot reported
- Arrested1 Feb
10 reports - Charged23 Feb
- In court23 Feb
- Verdict
- Sentenced
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet
Key facts
consolidated from all reports- What happened
- Gardaí and Revenue seized 546kg of a synthetic drug estimated to be worth €32.8 million, with one report giving the quantity as about 543kg of methamphetamine.
- Forensic testing identified the drug as crystal methamphetamine after earlier concerns it could be MDMA.
- Where
- The drugs were hidden in machinery in a shipping container at the deepwater berth at Cork Port, Ringaskiddy.
- The consignment was suspected to be destined for Australia.
- When
- The container was examined on the evening of 15 February, while another account gives the seizure as the morning of Friday 16 February 2024.
- Cause
- Gardaí believe the drugs were shipped from Mexico and were very likely produced in cartel-owned labs, and the seizure has been linked to the Sinaloa cartel.
- Weapon
- Two firearms were seized in follow-up searches in Cork and Kerry.
- Investigation
- The seizure was a joint operation by Gardaí, including the Kerry Divisional Drugs Unit, and Revenue officers in Cork and Kerry.
- Nathan McDonnell was arrested at Ballyseedy Garden Centre and James Leen was arrested at Arabella, Ballymacelligott, Tralee, on Friday 16 February.
- Both men, described by sources as Irish and in their 40s, were detained under Section 50 of the Criminal Justice Act 2007 at Garda stations in the Southern Region.
- In court
- The men were brought before a special sitting of the District Court in Kerry, and their detention was extended by 72 hours twice and then by a final 48 hours.
- Reporting restrictions were imposed so that neither man can be publicly identified at this stage.
- On 23 February both men appeared before a special sitting of Tralee District Court, where Judge David Waters remanded them in custody and refused bail; McDonnell replied not guilty to the charge.
- Both men are due to appear by video-link at Tralee District Court on 28 February.
- Charges
- Nathan McDonnell is charged with possession of methylamphetamine for sale or supply at Ballyseedy Garden Centre, Tralee, between 27 October 2023 and 12 February 2024.
- James Leen is charged with importing methylamphetamine at Cork Port, Ringaskiddy.
118 statements extracted from the articles
- whatGardaí and Revenue Officers seized 546kg of a synthetic drug estimated to be worth €32.8 million. (garda.ie)
- whatA very large quantity of suspected synthetic drugs, reported to be crystal methamphetamine, was seized. (corkbeo.ie)
- whatThe substance is understood to be a synthetic drug, pending analysis. (corkbeo.ie)
- whatSynthetic drugs believed to be crystal meth worth €32.8 million were seized. (irishtimes.com)
- whatGardaí and Revenue seized 546kg of suspected crystal meth. (corkbeo.ie)
- whatTwo firearms were seized. (corkbeo.ie)
- whatGardaí and Revenue Officers seized 546kg of a synthetic drug thought to be crystal meth, estimated at €32.8 million. (irishmirror.ie)
- whatGardaí and Revenue seized 546kg of a synthetic drug estimated to be worth €32.8 million. (irishmirror.ie)
- whatThe seized drugs are believed to be a synthetic drug, also known as crystal meth. (irishmirror.ie)
- whatOver half a tonne of synthetic drugs, believed to be crystal meth, was seized in Cork port. (irishtimes.com)
- whatThe crystal meth was valued at €32.8 million. (irishtimes.com)
- whatGardaí and Revenue Officers seized 546kg of a synthetic drug with an estimated value of €32.8 million. (irishmirror.ie)
- whatGardaí have confirmed the drugs found at Cork Port are crystal meth. (irishmirror.ie)
- whatGardaí and Revenue Officers seized 546kg of a synthetic drug, estimated at €32.8 million. (irishmirror.ie)
- whatGardaí and Revenue seized €32.8m of crystal meth. (corkbeo.ie)
- whatTwo men appeared at a special sitting of Tralee District Court charged over a methylamphetamine seizure valued at €32.8 million. (irishtimes.com)
- whereThe seizure followed a joint operation at Cork Port. (garda.ie)
- whereThe drugs were seized at the Port of Cork. (corkbeo.ie)
- whereThe consignment was recovered at Cork Port. (irishtimes.com)
- whereThe drugs were hidden in machinery shipped in container freight to the deepwater berth at Ringaskiddy. (irishtimes.com)
- whereThe seizure was made in a joint operation at Cork Port. (corkbeo.ie)
- whereThe two men were arrested over a major drugs find in Cork. (irishtimes.com)
- whereThe seizure took place at Cork Port. (irishmirror.ie)
- whereThe drugs were seized at Cork Port. (irishmirror.ie)
- whereThe drugs were believed to be destined for Australia. (irishtimes.com)
- whereThe drug was found in a shipping container at Cork Port. (irishmirror.ie)
- whereThe drugs were found in a shipping container at Cork Port. (irishmirror.ie)
- whereThe drugs were seized in the Port of Cork. (corkbeo.ie)
- whereA container was examined by Customs Officers at Cork Port, Ringaskiddy. (irishtimes.com)
- whenThe seizure was made on the morning of Friday 16 February 2024. (garda.ie, corkbeo.ie)
- whenThe drugs were found inside a shipping container on Friday morning. (irishmirror.ie)
- whenThe seizure was carried out on Friday morning, 16 February 2024. (irishmirror.ie)
- whenThe detention hearing took place at Tralee District Court on Wednesday. (irishmirror.ie)
- whenBoth men can be questioned until around 10.30am on Friday, with breaks paused detention. (irishmirror.ie)
- whenBoth men could be questioned until around 10.30am on Friday, with breaks paused the detention period. (irishmirror.ie)
- whenThe suspects were arrested on Friday 16 February. (corkbeo.ie)
- whenThe container was examined on the evening of February 15th. (irishtimes.com)
- causeGardaí believe the drugs were shipped from Mexico and were very likely produced in cartel-owned labs. (irishtimes.com)
- weaponTwo firearms were seized in the follow-up searches. (garda.ie)
- weaponTwo firearms were seized during the follow-up searches. (irishmirror.ie)
- weaponTwo firearms were seized during searches in Kerry and Cork. (irishtimes.com)
- weaponTwo firearms were also seized. (corkbeo.ie)
- investigationGardaí from the Kerry Divisional Drugs Unit, Cork and other Garda units took part in the operation. (garda.ie)
- investigationFollow-up searches in Kerry and Cork led to the arrest of two men. (garda.ie, corkbeo.ie, irishtimes.com, irishmirror.ie)
- investigationInvestigations are ongoing. (garda.ie, corkbeo.ie, irishmirror.ie)
- investigationThe seizure was made in a joint operation between gardaí and Revenue officers from Cork and Kerry. (corkbeo.ie)
- investigationGardaí believe the consignment was owned by a Mexican cartel and was transiting through the State. (irishtimes.com)
- investigationGardaí identified several Irish suspects based in the Munster area whom they believe worked for the Sinaloa cartel. (irishtimes.com)
- investigationSearches were carried out across Cork and Kerry. (corkbeo.ie)
- investigationThe Kerry Divisional Drugs Unit, Cork and other Garda units were involved in the operation. (corkbeo.ie)
- investigationThe men were detained under Section 50 of the Criminal Justice Act. (irishtimes.com)
- investigationThe men had not been charged but were under arrest. (irishtimes.com)
- investigationThe synthetic drugs will be analysed by Forensic Science Ireland. (irishmirror.ie)
- investigationFollow-up searches in Cork and Kerry, including one at a business premises, led to the seizure of two firearms and the arrest of two men. (irishmirror.ie)
- investigationThe seizure was a joint operation between Gardaí and Revenue's Customs Service. (irishmirror.ie)
- investigationThe two men were arrested as a result of additional searches elsewhere in Cork and Kerry. (irishmirror.ie)
- investigationGardaí had gathered intelligence on the Irish suspects and put them under surveillance. (irishtimes.com)
- investigationTwo suspects were arrested for questioning after the drugs were discovered and were still held in Co Kerry. (irishtimes.com)
- investigationThe two arrested men were being questioned under anti-gang legislation. (irishtimes.com)
- investigationA commercial premises linked to a suspect was searched in Waterford. (irishtimes.com)
- investigationThe two men are being held under Section 50 of the Criminal Justice Act, 2007, which deals with organised crime allegations. (irishmirror.ie)
- investigationFollow-up searches in Cork and Kerry, including at a business premises, led to the seizure of two firearms and the arrest of two men. (irishmirror.ie)
- investigationThe drug is being analysed by Forensic Science Ireland. (irishmirror.ie)
- investigationThe seizure followed a joint operation by Gardaí and Revenue officers in Cork and Kerry. (corkbeo.ie)
- investigationThe men's detention was extended twice for further questioning. (corkbeo.ie)
- investigationThe container held a sophisticated concealment with approximately 543kg of methamphetamine. (irishtimes.com)
- investigationNathan McDonnell was arrested at Ballyseedy Garden Centre and detained for seven days. (irishtimes.com)
- investigationJames Leen was arrested at Arabella, Ballymacelligott, Tralee. (irishtimes.com)
- chargeTwo men are being held under Section 50 of the Criminal Justice Act, 2007. (irishmirror.ie)
- chargeBoth men have been charged. (corkbeo.ie)
- chargeNathan McDonnell is charged with possession of methylamphetamine for sale or supply. (irishtimes.com)
- chargeJames Leen is charged with importing methylamphetamine at Cork Port, Ringaskiddy. (irishtimes.com)
- courtThe men were brought before a special sitting of the District Court in Kerry on a Saturday. (irishtimes.com)
- courtThe State applied for an extension to the men's period of detention. (irishtimes.com)
- courtA 72-hour extension to the first man's detention was granted. (irishtimes.com)
- courtThe second man's detention was also extended by 72 hours. (irishtimes.com)
- courtReporting restrictions were imposed so the men could not be identified. (irishtimes.com)
- courtThe court was told both men had been detained for over 118 hours. (irishmirror.ie)
- courtThe judge granted a final detention period of 48 more hours. (irishmirror.ie)
- courtJudge David Waters ruled that neither arrested man can be publicly identified at this stage. (irishmirror.ie)
- courtThe two arrested men were brought to Tralee District Court so officers could ask a judge to extend their detention. (irishmirror.ie)
- courtThe men were due before a special sitting of Tralee District Court on Friday 23 February at 1.30pm. (corkbeo.ie)
- courtBoth men were remanded in custody by Judge David Waters. (irishtimes.com)
- courtNathan McDonnell replied "not guilty" to the charge. (irishtimes.com)
- courtJudge Waters refused bail for Nathan McDonnell, citing the high value of the seizure and his considerable means. (irishtimes.com)
- courtJudge Waters refused bail for James Leen, citing the seriousness of the charge and the possible sentence. (irishtimes.com)
- courtBoth men are due to appear by video-link on February 28 in Tralee District Court. (irishtimes.com)
- sentenceIf convicted, both men face possible life imprisonment. (irishtimes.com)
- otherThe two men were detained at Garda stations in the Southern Region under Section 50 of the Criminal Justice Act 2007. (garda.ie)
- otherThe drugs could be worth tens of millions of euros if confirmed as crystal methamphetamine. (corkbeo.ie)
- otherThe two men, both in their 40s, were detained at Garda stations in the Southern Region. (corkbeo.ie)
- otherThe investigation into the drug haul is ongoing. (corkbeo.ie)
- otherThe consignment was suspected to be destined for the Australian market. (irishtimes.com)
- otherThe two men, both in their 40s, were detained at Garda stations in the Southern Region under Section 50 of the Criminal Justice Act, 2007. (irishtimes.com, irishmirror.ie)
- otherTwo firearms were seized during the operation. (irishtimes.com)
- otherThe estimated value of the drugs was €32.8 million. (corkbeo.ie)
- otherTwo men were arrested. (corkbeo.ie)
- otherThe two men are being held at Garda stations in the Southern Region. (corkbeo.ie)
- otherThe two men are detained under Section 50 of the Criminal Justice Act 2007. (corkbeo.ie)
- otherThe solicitor for the first man formally objected to his detention. (irishtimes.com)
- otherThe solicitor for the second man also formally objected to the application for detention. (irishtimes.com)
- otherThe chief superintendent's application to remove the media was refused. (irishtimes.com)
- otherGardaí arrested suspected members of a Sinaloa Cartel cell operating in Ireland. (irishmirror.ie)
- otherThe two arrested men are both in their 40s and are held at Garda stations in the southern region. (irishmirror.ie)
- otherOne of the arrested men is understood to be a key associate of Irishman Morris O’Shea Salazar. (irishmirror.ie)
- otherIt is suspected the drugs were ultimately destined for Australia. (irishmirror.ie)
- otherGardaí believe the Sinaloa cartel set up a network of agents and enablers in Ireland. (irishtimes.com)
- otherThe two arrested Irish men are both in their 40s. (irishtimes.com)
- otherThe seizure has been linked to the Mexican Sinaloa cartel. (irishmirror.ie)
- otherThe meth is believed to have been destined for Australia. (irishmirror.ie)
- otherBoth men arrested in the follow-up searches are in their 40s and are held at Garda stations in the southern region. (irishmirror.ie)
- otherThe meth is linked to the Mexican Sinaloa cartel. (irishmirror.ie)
- otherOne of the arrested men is a well-known businessman who had never previously come to the attention of gardaí. (corkbeo.ie)
- otherThe other arrested man is the son of a former politician. (corkbeo.ie)
- otherThe second man is seen as a close associate of Morris O'Shea, who has a violent past and prior convictions for assault. (corkbeo.ie)
- otherThe Sinaloa cartel is suspected of sending the drugs from South America to Cork. (corkbeo.ie)
- otherThe drugs were reportedly to be moved later to Australia. (corkbeo.ie)
- otherThe drugs had travelled from Mexico in October 2023, according to gardaí. (irishtimes.com)
The reporting
newest first- 23 Feb2024Two men charged over seizure of €33m worth of crystal meth in Cork last week
Reports the court appearance of two men charged over the seizure of about 543kg of methamphetamine found in a container at Cork Port, Ringaskiddy, and details of the bail hearings and the charges against each man.
accused, Nathan McDonnell, 43, male, named, irish (judged from name)Nathan McDonnellaccused, James Leen, 41, male, named, irish (judged from name)James Leen - 23 Feb2024Two men due in court in connection with €33m crystal meth seizure in Cork
First report of the seizure. It gives the value of the drugs, the joint operation, the charges, the court date and details about the two men, including links to the Sinaloa cartel.
accused, 40s, maleaccused, 40s, male - 22 Feb2024Gardai confirm €33 million drug haul as crystal meth following MDMA confusion
Confirms the drug is crystal meth, not MDMA, and reports that the two men were held under Section 50 of the Criminal Justice Act 2007 and brought to Tralee District Court to extend detention. Adds follow-up searches in Cork and Kerry that led to two firearms being seized and two more arrests, and links the meth to the Sinaloa cartel.
suspect, 40s, malesuspect, 40s, male - 21 Feb2024Gardai given more time to quiz pair in relation to massive crystal meth seizure
Reports the Tralee District Court hearing where gardaí obtained a further 48 hours of detention for two men, who are not named. Adds the Section 50 detention basis, the reporting restriction, the detention length, the Sinaloa cartel link and follow-up searches with two firearms seized.
suspect, malesuspect, male - 20 Feb2024Mexico’s Sinaloa cartel created an Irish network to aid large movement of drugs, gardaí believe
Adds the suspected Sinaloa cartel link, the arrests of two men in their 40s held for questioning in Kerry, the two firearms seized, the suspected Australian destination, and a Waterford search of a commercial premises linked to a suspect.
suspect, 40s, male, Irish, irishsuspect, 40s, male, Irish, irish - 19 Feb2024Gardai execute huge seizure of suspected crystal-meth worth €32.8mn
Reports the initial seizure and arrests: 546kg of suspected synthetic drug, two men in their 40s detained in the Southern Region, and two firearms seized in follow-up searches in Kerry and Cork.
suspect, 40s, malesuspect, 40s, male - 19 Feb2024Gardai arrest suspected members of Sinaloa Cartel Cell operating in Ireland
Reports the arrests of two men in their 40s, who are held at Garda stations in the southern region, and the seizure of two firearms in follow-up searches in Cork and Kerry. Links one arrested man to a key associate of an alleged Sinaloa Cartel figure.
suspect, 40s, malesuspect, 40s, male - 18 Feb2024Two men arrested over major drugs find in Cork detained for further 72 hours
Reports the detention of the two men under Section 50 of the Criminal Justice Act, the granting of a 72-hour extension at a special sitting of the District Court in Kerry, solicitors' objections, and reporting restrictions. Men have not been charged.
suspect, malesuspect, male - 16 Feb2024Guns and €33m of suspected crystal meth seized by Gardaí in Cork-Kerry search
Adds the arrests of two men in their 40s, the seizure of two firearms in follow-up searches in Cork and Kerry, and the Section 50 detention. Other details match the existing case.
suspect, 40s, malesuspect, 40s, male - 16 Feb2024Suspected crystal meth worth €32.8m seized in Cork originated with Mexican cartel, gardaí believe
Covers the original seizure and arrests: gardaí believe the consignment belonged to the Sinaloa cartel and was destined for Australia, the drugs were hidden in machinery, and two men in their 40s were arrested and detained. It also reports that two firearms were seized and that the case has a Kerry link.
suspect, 40s, malesuspect, 40s, male - 16 Feb2024Two men arrested after millions in suspected crystal meth seized at Port of Cork
Reports the initial seizure at Cork Port and the arrest of two men in their 40s in follow-up searches in Cork and Kerry. The drugs were described as suspected crystal methamphetamine pending analysis, and the value was not yet confirmed.
suspect, 40s, malesuspect, 40s, male - 1 Feb2024Update - Large Drug Seizure, Joint Operation between Gardaí and Revenue in Cork and Kerry - 16th February 2023
Official garda.ie press release giving no names. It states the seizure was 546kg of a synthetic drug, not methylamphetamine, and adds that two firearms were seized in the follow-up searches and that the two men were arrested and detained.
suspect, 40s, malesuspect, 40s, male