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 detected in the State with a value of 32.8 million euro.

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

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

Nathan McDonnell (43) with an address at Ballyroe, Tralee, is charged with possession of methylamphetamine for sale or supply in contravention of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1977, when the market value was €13,000 or more.

It’s alleged to have occurred between 27 October 2023 to 12 February 2024 at Ballyseedy Garden Centre in Tralee.

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

The court heard McDonnell replied “not guilty” to the charge.

Padraig O’Connell, a solicitor for the accused, said a bail application would be made to the High Court.

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

A further charge facing Leen alleges that on 16 October last year at Cork Port in Ringaskiddy, he imported methylamphhetamine with a value of over €13,000 contrary to Section 15b of the Misuse of Drugs Act.

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

Leen made no reply to each charge.

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

A bail applications will be lodged in the High Court in the case of Leen, his solicitor Pat Mann told the court.