Just shows how much surveillance and cross-border working is going on these days…
BBC NEWS
US drugs suspects held in custody
A couple facing extradition to the US over an internet-based drug making ring have been remanded in custody.
Kelly Ann Shanks, 29, and 43-year-old Brian Howes were refused bail at Edinburgh Sheriff Court.
The couple were detained on Tuesday following a police operation in Bo’ness, near Falkirk.
It has been alleged that they supplied chemicals to illegal drugs laboratories in the US involved in making the synthetic drug methamphetamine.
The arrests of Mr Howes and Ms Shanks – a mother-of-four – came at the climax of an international operation involving police and other law enforcement agencies investigating the making of the drug, also known as crystal meth.
Sheriff Isabella McColl refused bail mainly, she said, to protect the public, to ensure the proper administration of justice and because of the special circumstances of the case.
Further hearings are due to take place in March.
As far back as 2004, Howes and Shanks ran an internet business suspected of supplying a global network of meth labs in the United States, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, and other countries
Earlier Mr Howes, originally from Middlesbrough, was taken back to his Bo’ness home by police in handcuffs while they searched the property.
Police said a motor museum and funeral premises were also being searched.
The US Drug Enforcement Agency has issued details of a massive drugs production ring in which Mr Howes and Ms Shanks are alleged to have played major roles.
Cleveland Police in the north east of England and the Central Scotland force have been involved in a two-year probe into crystal meth production.
The investigation focused on the alleged supply of chemicals involved in production of the synthetic drug to individuals in the US, Europe and Australia via the internet.
Previous raid
The couple were arrested in Bo’ness on Tuesday by Central Scotland Police officers, working on behalf of the US agency.
Police also swooped on business addresses in Bo’ness.
A spokesman for Central Scotland Police said: “The operation is ongoing.”
Paul Charlton, US Attorney for Arizona, said: “As far back as 2004, Howes and Shanks ran an internet business suspected of supplying a global network of meth labs in the United States, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, and other countries.”
A major police operation in June, involving up to 250 officers, saw a raid on the couple’s alleged distribution centre in Grangemouth.
Police said Mr Howes and Ms Shanks had lived for some time in Cleveland.
A US conviction for unlawful importation and distribution of regulated chemicals such as red phosphorus carries a maximum penalty of 20 years, a £128,268 fine or both.
Story from BBC NEWS:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/1/hi/scotland/tayside_and_central/6316433.stm
Published: 2007/01/31 16:36:08 GMT
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