Nathan McDonnell (44) had encountered 'fierce financial difficulties' and racked up debts of €4 million

The Co Kerry crime group are at the root of the biggest-ever seizure of crystal meth in the history of the State

Nathan McDonnell (44), with an address at Ballyroe, Tralee, Co Kerry appeared before the three-judge, non-jury court this morning, where he was arraigned on two of the five charges against him.

Gardaí attached to Coolock District Drugs Unit found the drugs in a vehicle on the Malahide Road in Kinsealy on Friday.

Nathan McDonnell (44), who is in custody, appeared briefly this morning to be served with formal notice that he is to be tried before the three-judge, non-jury court.

Two men are facing charges after a large quantity of methylamphetamine was seized at Cork Port in October 2023

Some 546kg of the drug was found, worth an estimated €32.8 million.