Businessman pleads guilty to two charges linked to €33 million crystal meth seizure

A businessman has pleaded guilty in the Special Criminal Court to drug importation and complicity with an organized crime gang in the largest-ever crystal meth drive in state history.

Nathan McDonnell (44), with an address in Ballyroe, Tralee, Co Kerry, appeared before the three-judge court without a jury on Monday morning, where he was arraigned on two of the five charges against him.

McDonnell today pleaded guilty to importing one or more controlled drugs, namely methylamphetamine, on October 16, 2023 at the Port of Cork, Ringaskiddy, Co Cork, in contravention of the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2017 to 2019 , taken under section 5 of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1977 and on or about the time the drug was imported, the street value of the controlled drug was €13,000 or more.

The father of three also pleaded guilty to the fact that between October 16, 2023 and February 12, 2024 inclusive, within the State, with knowledge of the existence of a criminal organization, he participated or contributed to activities aimed at, or being reckless as to whether such participation or contribution could facilitate the commission of a serious offense by that criminal organization or any of its members, namely the importation, sale and supply of controlled drugs.

McDonnell’s arrest follows a joint operation by Gardaí and tax officers which led to the seizure of 564kg of methamphetamine, or crystal meth, worth an estimated €32.8 million in a container from the port of Cork on February 16.

Subsequent searches in Kerry and Cork led to McDonnell’s arrest. The State alleges the drugs were imported from Mexico and stored in a garden center before being transported to Cork, where they were intended for export to Australia.

Roisin Lacey SC, on behalf of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), asked the court to schedule McDonnell’s sentencing hearing for the week commencing December 16.

Caroline O’Connell BL, representing the defendant, agreed that this date was acceptable to her client.

Judge Tony Hunt, presiding, sitting with Judge Elma Sheahan and Judge Marie Keane, remanded McDonnell in custody until December 17, when he will be sentenced.

McDonnell’s co-accused, James Leen, also appeared in court this morning.

Brendan Grehan SC, defending Leen, asked for a trial date to be set for his client. Mr Grehan said the “worst case scenario” was the case could take two months.

Judge Hunt set a trial date for October 6, 2025. He adjourned the matter to November 11 for mention.

Mr Leen (41) of Pilgrim Hill, Kilmorna, Listowel, Co Kerry faces five charges, including one of directing the activities of a criminal organization between February 7, 2023 and February 16 this year.

Mr Leen is also charged with the importation of methylamphetamine, better known as crystal meth, into Cork Port, Ringaskiddy, Co Cork, on October 16, 2023.

He is further charged with possessing crystal meth at Ballyseedy Garden Center in Tralee between October 27, 2023 and February 12, 2024, contrary to sections 15A and 3 of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1977.