Refusal of bail for Kerry man in crystal meth seizure case 'most surprising', court told

The two accused men have been further remanded in custody

Nathan McDonnell (left) and James Leen (right) are charged with possession of methamphetamine with an estimated value of €32.8 million.

Two Kerry men in their 40s who are charged in connection with the biggest ever seizure of methamphetamine in the State, with an estimated value of €32.8 million, have been further remanded in custody.

Nathan McDonnell, a Tralee businessman, and James Leen appeared separately via video link before Tralee District Court on Wednesday morning from Portlaoise Prison and from Cork Prison.

The court heard how in neither case was the book of evidence ready. On application by Sergeant Chris Manton for the State, for both men to be further remanded in custody, Judge David Waters remanded them to appear again via video link to Tralee District Court on April 10.

Solicitor for Nathan McDonnell, Padraig O’Connell, said his client had been refused bail in the High Court on Tuesday and this was "most surprising". An application for bail was now going to the three-judge Court of Appeal, the solicitor said.

Pat Mann, solicitor for James Leen, said an application for bail for his client was before the High Court on Thursday.

Nathan McDonnell (43) of Ballyroe, Tralee, is charged that between October 27, 2023, and February 12, 2024, at Ballyseedy Garden Centre, Tralee, Co Kerry, he had in his possession methylamphetamine, known as crystal meth, with a market value of €13,000 or more, for sale or supply in contravention of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1977 and contrary to section 15A of the Misuse of Drugs Acts.

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 imported methylamphetamine with a value of €13,000 or more contrary to section 15 B of the Misuse of Drugs Act.

The court has already been told how 543kg of crystal meth was discovered inside a specially adapted machine. The large electromagnetic metal separator machine had been imported from Mexico in October and had been stored in Ballyseedy Garden Centre before being transported to the Port of Cork where customs officers uncovered the machine in a container bound for Australia.

Mr McDonnell denies any knowledge of knowing what was inside the machine. Mr Leen denies absolutely and totally he is involved in any of these matters alleged.