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| US drugs suspect witnesses search | US drugs suspect witnesses search |
| (30 minutes later) | |
| A man accused of being involved in an internet drugs production ring has been taken back to his home by police while they searched the property. | |
| Brian Howes, 43, and Kerry Ann Shanks, 28, from Bo'ness near Falkirk, are due to appear in court to face extradition proceedings to the US. | Brian Howes, 43, and Kerry Ann Shanks, 28, from Bo'ness near Falkirk, are due to appear in court to face extradition proceedings to the US. |
| Mr Howes, who is originally from Middlesbrough, returned to his home in Bridgeness Road, Bo'ness, in handcuffs. | Mr Howes, who is originally from Middlesbrough, returned to his home in Bridgeness Road, Bo'ness, in handcuffs. |
| Police said a motor museum and funeral premises were also being searched. | 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. | |
| 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 Paul CharltonUS Attorney class="" href="/1/hi/scotland/tayside_and_central/6317333.stm">Couple 'at centre' of inquiry | |
| 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 by the internet. | |
| The couple were arrested in Bo'ness on Tuesday by Central Scotland Police officers, working on behalf of the US agency. | 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. | Police also swooped on business addresses in Bo'ness. |
| Previous raid | Previous raid |
| 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. | 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. | Police said Mr Howes and Ms Shanks had lived for some time in Cleveland. |
| The couple's appearance at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Wednesday is expected to be held in private. | The couple's appearance at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Wednesday is expected to be held in private. |
| 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. |