James Leen denies charges in massive Irish crystal meth seizure case

James Leen, aged 43, has pleaded not guilty to five charges before the Special Criminal Court. Independent.ie, the Irish Examiner, and the Irish Independent reported that the charges include directing the activities of a criminal organisation and importing crystal meth. Ms Justice Caroline Biggs adjourned the court proceedings to Monday, November 2, and ordered that Leen appear in person on that date, according to independent.ie. [1][2][3]

The prosecution follows a major drug operation in early 2024. The Irish Examiner reported that the case stems from the seizure of 564 kilograms of crystal meth from a shipping container at Cork Port on February 16, 2024. The Irish Examiner valued the seized drugs at 32.8 million euros, while the Irish Independent reported the value as 30 million euros. [2][3]

As FTMQ News reported earlier, the Special Criminal Court previously refused to grant Leen a further trial adjournment. Leen, who comes from Pilgrim Hill, Kilmorna, Listowel, County Kerry, is charged in connection with the largest crystal meth seizure in the history of the country, according to the Irish Examiner. [2][5]

The Special Criminal Court will hear the matter again next Monday, November 2, when Leen is scheduled to be produced in person before the court, independent.ie reported. [1]