A shocking case of drug importation and organized crime has come to light with a businessman, Nathan McDonnell, pleading guilty to the charges in front of the Special Criminal Court. The charges relate to the largest-ever haul of crystal meth in the history of Ireland.
McDonnell admitted to importing a significant amount of Methylamphetamine at Cork Port in October 2023 and facilitating an organized crime gang involved in the importation, sale, and supply of controlled drugs in the country.
The arrest of McDonnell followed a joint operation by gardaí and Revenue Officers, resulting in the seizure of 564kg of crystal meth, worth €32.8 million, in Cork. The drugs were believed to have been imported from Mexico and stored at a garden center before being transported to Cork for export to Australia.
McDonnell is set to be sentenced in December, while his co-accused, James Leen, is awaiting trial on multiple charges related to directing the activities of a criminal organization and drug importation.