The trial is due to begin today of a Kerry man facing charges in connection with the largest ever seizure of crystal meth in the state.
42-year-old James Leen of Pilgrim Hill, Kilmorna, Listowel, is due to appear in the non-jury Special Criminal Court this afternoon.
He faces five charges; four contrary to the Misuse of Drugs Act, and one alleging he directed the activities of a criminal organisation within the state.
James Leen is accused of the importation of methylamphetamine, more commonly known as crystal meth, into Cork Port on 16th October 2023, with the value of the drug being greater than €13,000.
He is also accused of the possession of the drug at the former Ballyseedy Garden Centre between 27th October 2023 and the 12th February 2024.
Mr Leen faces another charge of possession of crystal meth worth more than €13,000, and a charge of possession for sale or supply.
His fifth charge alleges that he directed the activities of a criminal organisation within the state between 7th February 2023 and 16th February 2024.
It’s believed there have been fewer than a dozen people ever charged with this offence in the state, making it an extremely rare offence.
Mr Leen appeared in the non-jury Special Criminal Court almost a year ago to the day, 14th October 2024, when his then-Senior Counsel Brendan Grehan told the court he sought a trial date.
It’s thought the trial could take between two and three months, given the amount of evidence the prosecution is expected to produce in its efforts to prove the charges beyond reasonable doubt.
Because the Special Criminal Court does not have a jury, the trial will take place before three judges selected from a panel of serving judges from the High Court, Circuit Court, and District Court.
Mr Leen’s co-accused in this case, 45-year-old Nathan McDonnell of Ballyroe, Tralee, pleaded guilty to two charges and admitted his involvement in the attempted smuggling of half a ton of crystal meth from Mexico to Australia.
He was handed a 12-year prison sentence in February at the Special Criminal Court.
Because Mr McDonnell is a co-accused in the case, he could not in any event be called to give evidence in the trial of James Leen.
