Kerry men in Crystal Meth case remanded in continuing custody as book of evidence not ready
Left Nathan McDonnell and right James Leen. Both men are charged in connection with the country's biggest ever Crystal Meth haul.
The two Kerry men charged in relation to the biggest ever haul of crystal meth in the country have appeared in court via video link in Tralee District Court again this morning, Wednesday March 13.
James Leen who is currently in custody in Cork prison is facing two charges – one of drug importation of crystal meth worth €13,000 or more last October and the possession for sale or supply of methylamphetamine worth €13,000 between October 27, 2023 and February 12, 2024.
The 41- year old of Pilgrim Hill, Kilmorna, Listowel, confirmed his name to the court.
Sgt Chris Manton told the court that he the book of evidence was not yet ready and the state were seeking an adjournment for a further two weeks.
His solicitor Mr Mann said there was objection to this adding there is a pending bail application in the High Court on Thursday, March 14 that may ‘supersede matters’
Mr Leen will appear again via video link on March 27.
Nathan McDonnell also appeared via video link from Portlaoise Prison.
The 43-year-old former CEO of Ballyseedy Garden Centre, with an address at Ballyroe, is charged with possession of drugs worth more than €13,000 for sale or supply at the garden centre between October 27 and February 12.
Mr McDonnell confirmed his name to the court.
Sgt Chris Manton told the court that the book of evidence was not yet ready in this case either and he sought for a further remand in custody of Mr McDonnell for two weeks until March 27.
His solicitor Padraig O’Connell agreed to this but said there is a bail hearing in the High Court on Thursday.
"There is an expectation that bail might be granted,” he said.
The court was previously told that Customs officials examined a container in the port of Cork, which had an electronic, magnetic, metal recycling machine, which was purpose built to conceal the drugs, which the court was told were almost impossible to find.
The court said that 543kg of crystal meth, with an estimated value of €32.8million, was found in the machine.
The court heard that, following the discovery of the drugs, searches were carried out in Cork and Kerry.
Both men were arrested on February 16 and charged on February 23. They have been in custody since then.
