Courts / Kerry / Report

Mobile evidence points to innocence of Ballyseedy meth haul accused, court told

Date
2025-10-06

Stage
Trial

Primary locality
Listowel

County
Kerry

Summary

In the Special Criminal Court, lawyers for 42‑year‑old James Leen argued that mobile phone evidence supports his innocence. Colm Smyth SC requested an adjournment to allow a mobile‑phone expert to examine devices seized by the gardai. Smyth said the prosecution's case hinges on alleged phone conversations linking Leen to three machines that were imported into Ireland, one of which contained the seized drugs. He contended that further analysis would show Leen was involved with only two of the machines and had no connection to the third. The court agreed to postpone the trial to 19 December to give the defence time to compile its report. Leen faces five charges, including directing a criminal organisation, importing crystal meth, and possession of methamphetamine at Ballyseedy Garden Centre. The State alleges the drugs were imported from Mexico, stored at Ballyseedy, and then moved to Cork for export to Australia.