Two men charged in connection with crystal meth seizure in Cork Port  further remanded in custody

TWO men who were charged in connection with the State’s biggest crystal meth seizure in Cork Port were further remanded in custody yesterday pending a High Court bail application which is due to be heard today.

Well-known Co Kerry businessman Nathan McDonnell appeared in Tralee District Court via videolink from Portlaoise Prison, Co Laois, holding a pen in his hand.

He confirmed his name and said that he could see and hear the court.

The State said that no book of evidence was available yet, and it applied to further remand Mr McDonnell in custody until March 27.

His solicitor, Pádraig O’Connell, said that there was an expectation that bail might be granted today when his bail application is to be heard in the High Court.

Judge David Waters remanded him in custody. Mr McDonnell is scheduled to appear again in Tralee District Court via videolink on March 27.

His co-accused, James Leen, appeared separately via videolink from Cork Prison.

He confirmed his name and also said that he could hear and see the court.

The State said it would also seek Mr Leen’s further remand in custody until March 27.

His solicitor, Patrick Mann, said he had no objection to that further remand, but said that a High Court bail application today may supersede that.

Mr McDonnell, director of 11 companies with a turnover of between €4.5m and €5m, including the well-known Ballyseedy Garden Centre in Tralee, has been charged with possession of drugs worth over €13,000 for sale or supply at the garden centre between October 27 and February 12.

James Leen, aged 41, of Pilgrim Hill, Kilmourna, Listowel, faces two charges of drug importation at Cork Port, Ringaskiddy, on October 16, 2023, of methylamphetamine (crystal meth) worth €13,000 or more and of drug possession for sale or supply of methylamphetamine worth €13,000 or more at Bally- seedy Garden Centre between October 27, 2023, and February 12, 2024.

It was previously noted in court that the men may face additional charges from the Director of Public Prosecutions.