Two men appear in court following seizure of €32.8m worth of drugs ...

Two men have appeared before a special sitting of Tralee District Court charged with what the court heard was the highest level ever of methylamphetamine ever detected in the State with a value of €32.8 million.

Both men have been remanded in custody by Judge David Waters.

The men appeared separately. Large crowds surrounded the court on Ashe Street chasing the garda vans into the back of the court house as they arrived. Shouting could be heard in the body of the court.

Nathan McDonnell aged 43 of Ballyroe, Tralee, is 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 in contravention of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1977 and at the time while the drug was in his possession the market value was €13,000 or more.

The charge is contrary to Section 15a of the Misuse of Drugs Acts.

Detective Sergeant Thomas Griffin of Listowel Gardaí gave evidence of arrest, charge and caution at Castleisland Garda Station on Friday.

Mr McDonnell replied: ”Not guilty”.

Meanwhile, James Leen aged 41 of Pilgrim Hill, Kilmorna, Listowel is charged with the same offence.

He is further charged that on October 16 2023 at Cork Port, Ringaskiddy, Co Cork, he did import methylamphetamine with a value of over €13,000 contrary to Section 15 (b) of the Misuse of Drugs Act.

Sergeant David Howard gave evidence of arrest, charge and caution earlier on Friday.

Mr Leen made no reply to each charge.

Both men were remanded in custody to appear via video link on February 28 in Tralee District Court.

Bail applications are being lodged in the High Court in the case of both accused their respective solicitors Padraig O’Connell for Mr McDonnell and Pat Mann for Mr Leen said.