Kerryman charged over State's largest crystal meth seizure denied bail

Tom Tuite

A Kerry businessman charged over the country's largest-ever crystal meth seizure has been denied bail in the High Court.

James Leen (41), of Pilgrim Hill, Kilmourna, Listowel, Co Kerry, is charged with drug importation of methylamphetamine, known as crystal meth, at Cork Port, Ringaskiddy, on October 16th, 2023.

He is further charged with possession of the drug, worth €13,000 or more, at Ballyseedy Garden Centre between October 27th, 2023, and February 12th, 2024.

Nathan McDonnell (44), a former company director who previously ran the Ballyseedy Garden Centre, has been charged with possession of drugs worth more than €13,000 for sale or supply at the garden centre between October 27th and February 12th.

The District Court heard Customs officers discovered 543kg of crystal meth, with an estimated value of €32.8 million, when they inspected a container in the Port of Cork.

The court heard this machine had been shipped from Mexico and stored in Ballyseedy Garden Centre since October.

The pair were refused bail at their first District Court hearings in February but were entitled to bring fresh applications to the High Court in Cloverhill, Dublin.

Mr McDonnell's bail plea was heard last week by Ms Justice Karen O'Connor, who said: "The allegations in this case are in respect of very serious offending."

She also noted defence submissions and that Nathan McDonnell's father, Michael McDonnell, told the court he would stand bail for his son, offering €100,000 from his savings as a surety.

Detective Sergeant Ernie Henderson, of Tralee Garda station, confirmed to Theresa Lowe BL, for the State, that he was objecting to bail due to the seriousness of the case and flight-risk concerns.

Ms Justice O’Connor had adjourned the case to consider the matter, and on Tuesday delivered her ruling, denying Mr McDonnell's bail application.

She said the accused had the presumption of innocence but said the surety amount offered was not sufficient and no conditions would allay the Garda concerns.

Mr McDonnell watched the proceedings via video link from prison.

The court heard the men may face additional charges, and directions are required from the Director of Public Prosecutions.

The pair are due in court again on Wednesday.

Mr Leen's High Court bail application is scheduled to proceed on Thursday.