€32.8m meth accused pair refused bail
Men before court over customs drugs seizure
TWO men have appeared before a special district court sitting charged over what the judge heard was the highest ever seizure of crystal meth in the State, with a value of €32.8million.
Large crowds had surrounded the courthouse in Tralee, Co Kerry, chasing the garda vans into the back of the court building as the accused arrived yesterday.
Nathan Mcdonnell, 43, of Ballyroe, Tralee, is charged between October 27, 2023, and February 12, 2024, at Ballyseedy Garden Centre, Tralee, he had methylamphetamine for sale or supply in contravention of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1977.
Mcdonnell replied “not guilty” when charged and cautioned by Detective Sergeant Thomas Griffin at Castleisland Garda Station.
James Leen, 41, of Pilgrim Hill, Kilmorna, Listowel is charged with the same offence.
He is further charged on October 16, 2023 at Cork Port, Ringaskiddy, Co Cork, he did import methylamphhetamine with a value of more than €13,000 contrary to Section 15 (b) of the Misuse of Drugs Act.
Sergeant David Howard gave evidence of arrest, charge and caution and said Leen made no reply to each allegation.
CONTAINER
[The seizure of] crystal meth... has a street value of €32.8m
DET SGT THOMAS GRIFFIN
On the evening of February 15, arising from information gathered by the Kerry Divisional Drugs Unit, a container was examined by customs officers at Cork Port Ringaskiddy, Co Cork.
The container was purported to contain an electromagnetic metal separator machine for export to Australia.
The sergeant said upon being examined a sophisticated concealment was found within containing approximately 543kg of methamphetamine.
The next morning gardai carried out search operations at locations throughout counties Cork and Kerry.
Mcdonnell was arrested and subsequently detained for seven days.
Sgt Griffin added: “The seizure of the 543kg of methamphetamine, otherwise known as crystal meth, is the largest recorded and has a street value of €32.8m.”
He also said further serious charges may be sought from the DPP in relation to this incident and an application for an appropriate venue may be sought.
Sgt Howard said the drugs had travelled from Mexico in October 2023.
Judge Waters refused bail for both accused referring to the seriousness of the charge and the possible sentence on conviction.
He also referred to the possibility Leen was a flight risk given the number of countries he had travelled to in 2023 alone.
The court heard if convicted both men were facing possible life in prison.
The men were then both remanded until February 28 to appear again in Tralee by video link.