Businessman hits out at ‘lies’ over crystal meth haul
THE managing director of a company wrongly linked to a seizure of crystal meth has said he is now hunting the names of people who spread rumours against him and his company.
Brian Gallivan of KPH Construction said his firm has been falsely linked to the seizure of the drugs earlier this month which resulted in two men being charged.
Mr Gallivan said he has now started asking people where they heard the rumours.
‘Needless to say, we were shocked beyond disbelief,’ he told Radio Kerry. ‘Anybody that knows me would know my personality to be a very strong one. I would be absolutely antidrugs. We have made the decision to come out on this because it is absolutely a lie. It can be categorically confirmed that nobody searched anybody’s offices. Nobody has come here to our offices. There has been no contact with our office here by any member of An Garda Síochána or the drugs squad.’
Mr Gallivan is now asking anyone with any information about the people spreading lies to come forward and tell him. He also added that the untrue rumours have had a negative impact on him and his staff.
Two men appeared before Tralee District Court on Saturday charged over the seizure of drugs valued at €32.8million – the largest in the history of the State.
Both men appeared separately before the same court yesterday via video link.
Nathan McDonnell, 43, of Ballyroe, Tralee, Co. Kerry, is charged that on October 27, 2023 to February 12, 2024, at Ballyseedy Garden Centre, Tralee, he had in his possession methamphetamine – more commonly known as crystal meth – for sale or supply in contravention of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1977, and that at the time while the drug was in his possession it was worth €13,000 or more.
James Leen, 41, of Pilgrim Hill, Kilmorna, Listowel, Co. Kerry, is charged with the same offence. He is further charged that on October 16, 2023, at Cork Port, Ringaskiddy, Co. Cork, he did import methamphetamine with a value of more than €13,000 contrary to Section 15 (b) of the Misuse of Drugs Act.
They were both remanded in custody to appear again on March 13.