Bail hearing delayed for Kerry men charged over State's biggest crystal meth seizure
May James That Face Leen Nathan Mcdonnell Earlier, Proceedings The (right) (left) Heard And Additional Charges
The bail hearing of two Kerry men charged over the country’s largest-ever crystal meth seizure has been adjourned for a week by the High Court.
James Leen, 41, of Pilgrim Hill, Kilmourna, Listowel, faces two charges of drug importation at Cork Port, Ringaskiddy, on October 16, 2023, of methylamphetamine, known as crystal meth, and possession of the drug worth €13,000 or more at Ballyseedy Garden Centre between October 27, 2023, and February 12, 2024.
Businessman Nathan McDonnell, 44, a company director who runs the Ballyseedy Garden Centre, has been charged with possession of drugs worth more than €13,000 for sale or supply at the garden centre between October 27 and February 12.
The District Court had heard Customs officers discovered 543kg of crystal meth, with an estimated value of €32.8million, when they inspected a Customs official's container in the Port of Cork.
They were refused bail in February but were entitled to bring a fresh application to the High Court in Cloverhill, Dublin.
The matter was listed on Thursday before Mr Justice Paul Burns, but the application was adjourned, with defence and prosecution consent, until March 21.
Earlier, the proceedings heard that the men may face additional charges and the Director of Public Prosecutions was required. They will also face their next District Court appearance on March 27.