Courts / Kerry / Report
Kerry Crime Group at root of biggest ever Crystal Meth seizure were connected to Sinaloa Cartel
Summary
Nathan McDonnell, a former chief executive of Ballyseedy Garden Centre, pleaded guilty at the Special Criminal Court to importing methylamphetamine and directing a criminal organisation. The trial heard that McDonnell was to be paid €150,000 to store a machine containing 564kg of crystal meth, valued at €32.4 million, before its export to Australia. Prosecutors alleged the drugs were imported from Mexico via the Sinaloa Cartel. While the State asserted McDonnell facilitated the operation, it was noted that a different individual was charged with directing the criminal organisation. McDonnell admitted to storing the machine and arranging its shipment but claimed he was unaware of its contents. He has no previous convictions. Ms Justice Melanie Greally, presiding with Judges Sarah Berkeley and Grainne Malone, remanded McDonnell in custody. The court stated it hoped to finalise the case by the end of the month. Co-accused James Leen was also present. The matter was adjourned for sentencing.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Kerry Crime Group at root of biggest ever Crystal Meth seizure were connected to Sinaloa Cartel. Charges or matters: importing one or more controlled drugs, namely Methylamphetamine on October 16 2023 at Cork Port, Ringaskiddy, Co Cork, in contravention of the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2017 to 2019, made under section 5 Misuse of Drugs Act 1977 and on or about the time the drug was imported the market value of the controlled drug amounted to €13,000 or more; directing a criminal organisation. Procedural stage: trial
When:
- October 2023 Hearing Or Sentence
- February 2024 Hearing Or Sentence
- October 16 2023 Other
- February 12 2024 Other
- February 16, 2024 Incident
- February 15, 2024 Incident
- June 6 2023 Other
- April 2023 Hearing Or Sentence
- June 2023 Hearing Or Sentence
- October 6, 2025 Hearing Or Sentence
- February 7, 2023 Incident
- October 16, 2023 Incident
- October 27, 2023 Incident
- February 12, 2024 Incident
- 2017 to 2019 Other
- 2025-02-10 Publication
Case subjects
Co Accused
Defendant
Charges: importing one or more controlled drugs, namely Methylamphetamine on October 16 2023 at Cork Port, Ringaskiddy, Co Cork, in contravention of the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2017 to 2019, made under section 5 Misuse of Drugs Act 1977 and on or about the time the drug was imported the market value of the controlled drug amounted to €13,000 or more; directing a criminal organisation (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: Ms Justice Melanie Greally, presiding, sitting with Judge Sarah Berkeley and Judge Grainne Malone, remanded McDonnell in custody and said the court hoped to finalise the case by the end of the month.
Places mentioned
- Special Criminal Court
- The Special Criminal Court
Topics
Related court reports
- Fraud accused Denise O'Brien appears before court after bench warrant
- Almost 200 witnesses involved in Mike Gaine murder case as trial date set
- Murderer's claim that conviction was unsafe after 'extremely brief' jury deliberations is rejected
- One of six family members convicted of Tralee cemetery murder fails in bid to overturn conviction
- 'Honour killing' convict was misidentified at trial, lawyers claim
- Three jailed for 'honour killing' at Kerry funeral appeal convictions
If a fact, identity, locality or legal outcome needs review, email the newsroom with this report's details prefilled.
Email a correction request