Courts / Kerry / Report
Businessman enters guilty plea in relation to largest crystal meth haul in Irish history
Summary
Nathan McDonnell, a 44-year-old businessman from Ballyroe, Tralee, pleaded guilty before the Special Criminal Court to two charges related to the largest crystal methamphetamine seizure in Irish history. He admitted to importing methylamphetamine at Cork Port on October 16, 2023, and facilitating a criminal organisation between October 2023 and February 2024. The State alleges the 564kg haul, valued at €32.8 million, was imported from Mexico and destined for Australia. Roisin Lacey SC, for the DPP, requested a sentencing hearing for the week of December 16, a date accepted by defence counsel Caroline O'Connell BL. Mr Justice Tony Hunt, presiding with Judges Elma Sheahan and Marie Keane, remanded McDonnell in custody until December 17 for sentencing. Co-accused James Leen, 41, of Listowel, also appeared. Facing five charges, including directing a criminal organisation and possession of drugs, Leen's defence, led by Brendan Grehan SC, requested a trial date. Mr Justice Hunt allocated a trial date of October 6, 2025, and adjourned the matter to November 11 for mention.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Businessman enters guilty plea in relation to largest crystal meth haul in Irish history. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- October 16 2023 Hearing Or Sentence
- February 12 2024 Other
- February 16 Incident
- December 16 Adjournment
- December 17 Adjournment
- October 6, 2025 Adjournment
- November 11 Adjournment
- February 7, 2023 Adjournment
- October 16, 2023 Incident
- October 27, 2023 Incident
- February 12, 2024 Incident
- 2017 to 2019 Other
- 2024-10-14 Publication
Case subjects
Defendant
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: Roisin Lacey SC, for the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), asked the court to list McDonnell's sentence hearing for the week of December 16. Mr Justice Tony Hunt, presiding, sitting with Judge Elma Sheahan and Judge Marie Keane, remanded McDonnell in custody until December 17, when he will be sentenced.; Mr Justice Tony Hunt, presiding, sitting with Judge Elma Sheahan and Judge Marie Keane, remanded McDonnell in custody until December 17, when he will be sentenced.
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