Two Kerry men accused of crystal meth offences face criminal ...

James Leen has been charged with directing the activities of a criminal organisation within the State; while Nathan McDonnell has been charged with facilitating the activities of a criminal organisation within the State.

The men who have been in custody since February were produced in person to Tralee District court on Wednesday morning in Tralee where a heavy security presence surrounded the court and outside streets.

Nathan McDonnell (left) has been charged with facilitating the activities of a criminal organisation within the State while James Leen (right) has been charged with directing the activities of a criminal organisation within the State.

Detective Sergeant Dave Howard gave evidence of arrest, charge and cautioning of Mr Leen at 9.35am before the sitting of Tralee District Court. There were three new charges, and he had made no reply after caution, Detective Sgt Howard said.

Court presenter Sgt Chris Manton said his application was for remand in custody to July 24 to appear via video link. The new charges will be included in the book of evidence for trial on indictment, Sgt Manton confirmed to Judge David Waters. The book of evidence is to be ready on July 30, he told the court also.

Pat Mann, Solicitor for Mr Leen, said he was asking the State to “strictly adhere to the 30th July” for the book of evidence. There was no application for bail as one of the charges was outside the jurisdiction of the District Court, the solicitor said.

James Leen's charges

James Leen (41) of Pilgrim Hill, Kilmorna, Listowel, Co Kerry, was previously been charged that on October 16, 2023, at Cork Port, Ringaskiddy, Co Cork, he did import methylamphetamine with a value of €13,000 or more contrary to section 15B of the Misuse of Drugs Act; and also with possession of the drug at Ballyseedy, Tralee.

He is also now charged that between February 7, 2023, and February 16, 2024, both dates inclusive within the State he directed the activities of a criminal organisation contrary to Section 71A of the Criminal Justice Act 2006, as inserted by Section 5 of the Criminal Justice (Amendment) Act 2009.

He is also charged that on February 27, 2023, to February 12, 2024, both dates inclusive at Ballyseedy Garden Centre, Tralee, he had in his possession Methylamphetamine for sale or supply; and also that he had possession of the drug.

Judge David Waters remanded him in custody to appear via video link next week.

Nathan McDonnell's charges

Four extra charges have been proffered against co-accused Nathan McDonnell, Tralee District Court heard on Wednesday morning.

Mr McDonnell also appeared in person and was brought from Portlaoise prison. Dressed in a white shirt and tie, Mr McDonnell (44) of Ballyroe, Tralee, is now charged with having knowledge of the existence of a criminal organisation facilitating the commission of a serious offence by that organisation to wit the importation, sale and supply of controlled drugs.

The alleged offence ”between 16th October 2023 and 16th February 2024, within the State is contrary to Section 72 of the Criminal Justice Act 2004 as amended by Section 6 of the Criminal Justice (Amendment) Act 2009".

The full charge is that between the October 16, 2023, and February 16, 2024, both dates inclusive within the State with knowledge of the existence of a Criminal Organisation, he did participate in or contribute to activity intending to or being reckless as to whether such participation or contribution could facilitate the commission of a serious offence by that criminal organisation or any of its members, to wit the importation, sale and supply of controlled drugs. 

Three other charges have also been proffered against Mr McDonnell including that on the October 16, 2023, at Cork Port, Ringaskiddy, he imported methylamphetamine with a market value of over €3,000.

He is also charged that on October 27, 2023, to February 12, 2024, at Ballyseedy Garden Centre, Tralee, he had in his possession methylamphetamine for sale or supply. A further charge related to possession of the drug at Ballyseedy on the same dates.

Giving evidence of arrest, charge and caution Detective Sergeant Tommy Griffin of Listowel Gardaí said he had arrested Mr McDonnell on Wednesday morning and handed him a true copy of each charge. He made no reply after caution.

Mr McDonnell has also been remanded in custody to July 24 to appear via video link after the application by Sgt Chris Manton. The book of evidence is to be ready on July 30, the court heard.

Padraig O’Connell, solicitor for Mr McDonnell, said he would be anxious the book would be ready on that date and that he would be advised of a venue for the trial.

In February when arrested, Mr McDonnell (44) of Ballyroe, Tralee, was charged that between October 27, 2023, and February 12, 2024, at Ballyseedy Garden Centre, Tralee, Co Kerry, he had in his possession methylamphetamine, with a market value of €13,000 or more, for sale or supply in contravention of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1977 and contrary to section 15A of the Misuse of Drugs Acts.