Nathan McDonnell got involved with international drugs cartel due to money worries, court told

The Kerry businessman is to be sentenced at a later date, probably before the end of the month, the court was told

Nathan McDonnell got involved in the operation which involved hiding the drugs in a large machine which arrived in Cork Port from Mexico via Antwerp in October 2023. File photo: Domnick Walsh © Eye Focus LTD

A Kerry businessman who was in financial trouble got involved with an international drugs cartel and agreed to store drugs worth €32m on his premises, the Special Criminal Court has heard.

Nathan McDonnell, with an address in Ballyroe, Tralee, has pleaded guilty to the importation of drugs and facilitating an organized crime group. He is the former CEO of the Ballyseedy Garden Centre outside the Co Kerry town.