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Arrests in US drug supply inquiry | Arrests in US drug supply inquiry |
(about 1 hour later) | |
A man and woman have been arrested in connection with an international inquiry into illegal drug production. | |
Officers from Central Scotland Police made the arrests in Bo'ness, near Falkirk, on behalf of the US Drug Enforcement Agency. | |
Brian Howes, 43, from Middlesbrough, and 28-year-old Kerry Ann Shanks, from Bo'ness are facing extradition. | |
Cleveland Police and the Scottish 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 - also known as methamphetamine - to individuals in the US, Europe and Australia. | |
Howes and Shanks were arrested today over the alleged supply of chemicals to individuals believed to be involved in the production of methamphetamine Det Supt Dave DuffeyCleveland Police | |
As well as the arrests, police also swooped on business addresses in Bo'ness. | |
A major police operation in June, involving up to 250 officers, saw a raid on the couple's alleged distribution centre in Grangemouth. | |
Mr Howes and Ms Shanks, who police said had lived for some time in Cleveland, are expected to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Wednesday, in relation to extradition proceedings. | |
Det Supt Dave Duffey, of Cleveland Police, said: "This has been a complex and wide-ranging investigation which first began two years ago. | |
'Complex investigation' | |
"Howes and Shanks were arrested today over the alleged supply of chemicals to individuals believed to be involved in the production of methamphetamine." | |
Det Supt Allan Moffat, of Central Scotland Police, moved to reassure the public that there was no danger to the community. | |
"This has been a lengthy and complex investigation which has involved a number of agencies," he said. | |
Crystal Meth, a popular dance culture drug, was recently reclassified as a class A substance in the UK in an attempt to clamp down on its use. | |
Its use can lead to paranoia, violent behaviour, kidney failure and internal bleeding. |