A businessman in Ireland is currently awaiting charges for his role in the country's most massive crystal meth seizure.
This Monday, Nathan McDonnell appeared in the Special Criminal Court where he was put on trial for two of five charges against him.
Limerick Live shared that McDonnell already acknowledged his involvement in importing about 564 kg of crystal meth in the country, between October 2023 and February 2024. He also stated that he was aware that his actions supported an organized crime group engaged in drug trafficking.
He will be sentenced in December to face the consequences of his action, while Irish authorities will continue their crackdown on drug-related crimes that have entered the country.
Largest Crystal Meth Seizure in Ireland
Per Irish News, prior to the businessman's arrest, a joint operation by gardai and Revenue officers seized the illegal crystal meth import—the largest in the country's history.
With 564 kgs, they estimate that the seized methamphetamine from a container at Cork Port on February 16 is worth around $35 million (€32.8 million).
Besides that, another shocking revelation hit prosecutors as they asserted that the drugs were imported from a Mexico drug cartel, which was likely stored first at a garden center before its transport to Cork. The container was intended to be exported to Australia.
Presiding Judge, Tony Hunt, remanded McDonnell in custody until December 17 for sentencing, while his co-accused will be appearing in court for a trial date on October 6, 2025. Unlike McDonnell's case, sentencing will have a two-month duration.
The co-accused, Mr. Leen, is also facing five charges for directing the activities of the drug criminal organization between almost the same date as the Irish businessman's date of import. But alongside the importation of crystal meth, he is also further charged with possession of the drug, which is against Ireland's Section 3 of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1977.
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