Two men in their 40s who are charged in connection with the biggest-ever seizure of methamphetamine in the State, with an estimated value of €32.8 million, have been further remanded in custody.
Nathan McDonnell and James Leen appeared separately via video link before Tralee District Court morning from Portlaoise Prison and from Cork Prison.
The court heard how in neither case was the book of evidence ready.
On application by Sergeant Chris Manton for the State, for both men to be further remanded in custody, Judge David Waters remanded them to appear again via video link to Tralee District Court on 10 April.
Solicitor for Nathan McDonnell, Padraig O'Connell, said his client had been refused bail in the High Court yesterday and this was "most surprising".
An application for bail was now going to the Court of Appeal, a three-judge court, Mr O'Connell, said.
James Leen’s solicitor Pat Mann said an application for bail for his client was before the High Court tomorrow.
Nathan McDonnell, 43, of Ballyroe, Tralee, is charged that between 27 October 2023 and 12 February 2024, at Ballyseedy Garden Centre, Tralee, Co Kerry, he had in his possession methylamphetamine, known as crystal meth, with a market value of €13,000 or more, for sale or supply in contravention of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1977 and contrary to section 15A of the Misuse of Drugs Acts.
James Leen, 41, of Pilgrim Hill, Kilmorna, Listowel, Co Kerry is charged with the same offence.
He is further charged that on 16 October 2023 at Cork Port, Ringaskiddy, Co Cork he imported methylamphetamine with a value of €13,000 or more contrary to section 15 B of the Misuse of Drugs Act.
The court has already been told how 543kg of crystal meth was discovered inside a specially adapted machine.
The large electromagnetic metal separator machine had been imported from Mexico in October and had been stored in Ballyseedy Garden Centre before being transported to the Port of Cork where customs officers uncovered the machine in a container bound for Australia.
Mr McDonnell denies any knowledge of knowing what was inside the machine.
Mr Leen also denies he is involved in any of these matters alleged.
