Courts / Kerry / Report
Businessman charged in connection with largest meth seizure in Irish history to remain in custody
Summary
Nathan McDonnell, a 43‑year‑old businessman from Ballyroe, Tralee, was charged with possessing more than €13,000 worth of crystal meth for sale or supply under Section 15A of the Misuse of Drugs Act. The alleged offence took place at Ballyseedy Garden Centre between 27 October 2023 and 12 February 2024. McDonnell was arrested after a joint Gardaí and Revenue operation seized 564 kg of methamphetamine, valued at €32.8 million, from a container at Cork Port on 16 February. The drugs were said to have been imported from Mexico, stored at the garden centre, then transported to Cork for export to Australia. He was denied bail in the High Court in April and appealed to the Court of Appeal, which also refused bail because of the high value of the drugs. McDonnell remains in custody awaiting the serving of a book of evidence. If convicted, he faces a minimum of ten years in prison.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Businessman charged in connection with largest meth seizure in Irish history to remain in custody. Charges or matters: the possession of more than €13,000 worth of crystal meth for sale or supply contrary to Section 15A of the Misuse of Drugs Act. Procedural stage: appeal
When:
- October 27, 2023 Incident
- February 12 Incident
- February 16 Incident
- 2024-05-17 Publication
Case subjects
Accused
Charges: the possession of more than €13,000 worth of crystal meth for sale or supply contrary to Section 15A of the Misuse of Drugs Act (Alleged Or Contested)
Outcome: The accused was remanded in custody awaiting the serving of a book of evidence.
Places mentioned
- High Court
- Court of Appeal
- Special Criminal Court
Topics
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