Wednesday 28 October 2026Compiled from published reports. Every claim links to its source.

Ireland Crime

Every case followed from the first report to the sentence, or to where the reporting stopped.

Case No. 6444Drug trafficking (methylamphetamine) · Co. Kerry

Two men further remanded in custody over Tralee crystal meth seizure

Two Co Kerry men, Nathan McDonnell (43), of Ballyroe, Tralee, and James Leen (41), of Kilmorna, Listowel, were charged over what is described as the largest seizure of crystal meth recorded in the State, with an estimated value of €32.8 million. McDonnell is charged with possessing methylamphetamine worth €13,000 or more for sale or supply at Ballyseedy Garden Centre, Tralee, between October 27th, 2023 and February 12th, 2024. Leen faces the same possession charge and is further charged with importing methylamphetamine at Cork Port, Ringaskiddy, on October 16th, 2023. McDonnell replied not guilty when charged and Leen made no reply, and both appeared by video link before Tralee District Court, where the judge remanded both men in custody for two weeks. The next appearance is set for March 13th.

  1. Reportednot reported
  2. Arrestednot reported
  3. Chargednot reported
  4. In court28 Feb
  5. Verdict
  6. Sentenced
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet

Key facts

consolidated from all reports
What happened
The seizure is described as the largest of crystal meth recorded in the State, with an estimated value of €32.8 million.
Where
The alleged possession took place at Ballyseedy Garden Centre, Tralee, Co Kerry.
When
  • McDonnell's alleged possession spanned October 27th, 2023 to February 12th, 2024.
  • Leen is further charged with importing methylamphetamine at Cork Port, Ringaskiddy, on October 16th, 2023.
Other details
  • Nathan McDonnell (43), of Ballyroe, Tralee, is chief executive of the Ballyseedy Group.
  • James Leen (41), of Kilmorna, Listowel, is the second man charged.
Charges
  • McDonnell is charged with possessing methylamphetamine worth €13,000 or more for sale or supply.
  • Leen is charged with the same possession offence and further with importing methylamphetamine worth €13,000 or more.
In court
  • McDonnell replied not guilty when charged, while Leen made no reply.
  • Both men appeared by video link before Tralee District Court on a Wednesday reported on February 28th, 2024.
  • Solicitors for both men said bail applications are being made to the High Court.
  • The judge remanded both men in custody for two weeks, with the next appearance on March 13th.
Investigation
  • DPP directions for McDonnell were not yet available, as further charges are being considered.
  • The book of evidence for Leen was not yet ready.
14 statements extracted from the articles
  • whatThe seizure is described as the largest of crystal meth recorded in the State. (irishtimes.com)
  • whereMcDonnell is charged with possessing methylamphetamine at Ballyseedy Garden Centre, Tralee. (irishtimes.com)
  • whenMcDonnell's alleged possession spanned October 27th, 2023 to February 12th, 2024. (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)
  • 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)
  • 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)
  • otherMcDonnell is chief executive of the Ballyseedy Group. (irishtimes.com)

The reporting

newest first
  1. 28 Feb2024
    In courtirishtimes.com, first report
    Two 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