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| Version 1 | Version 2 |
|---|---|
| Four years for crystal meth maker | Four years for crystal meth maker |
| (about 1 hour later) | |
| A man behind what is believed to be Scotland's first illicit crystal meth laboratory has been jailed for four years. | A man behind what is believed to be Scotland's first illicit crystal meth laboratory has been jailed for four years. |
| Property developer Paul Ross, 45, admitted producing the class A drug at his home in Forres, Moray. | Property developer Paul Ross, 45, admitted producing the class A drug at his home in Forres, Moray. |
| Elgin Sheriff Court was told he was a long-standing amphetamine addict and the crystal meth was for his own use. | Elgin Sheriff Court was told he was a long-standing amphetamine addict and the crystal meth was for his own use. |
| However Sheriff Noel McPartlin said the offence was of such gravity that it was important to send a clear message. | However Sheriff Noel McPartlin said the offence was of such gravity that it was important to send a clear message. |
| The court heard Grampian Police was alerted after the father-of-one placed orders for chemicals and equipment that could be used to produce the drug. | |
| Operation Ivory was launched, and a search warrant was issued in May last year. | Operation Ivory was launched, and a search warrant was issued in May last year. |
| Officers spent several days examining Ross's home, and found evidence of production and possession. | Officers spent several days examining Ross's home, and found evidence of production and possession. |
| The court was told there was no evidence to suggest he had been manufacturing crystal meth for distribution. | |
| CRYSTAL METH Amphetamines are synthetic stimulants varying in purityMethamphetamines are a stronger version, usually powder, crystals or tabletsEffects range from increased confidence to euphoriaUsers can stay awake for long periodsSide effects include psychological dependence and psychosisDepression and lethargy can set in during comedown Crystal meth's highs and lows | |
| Defence counsel Paul McBride QC said the first offender was now drug free, and paid to be tested every three months. | Defence counsel Paul McBride QC said the first offender was now drug free, and paid to be tested every three months. |
| Sheriff McPartlin said there did not appear to be a market for the drug in the area, but its introduction was alarming. | Sheriff McPartlin said there did not appear to be a market for the drug in the area, but its introduction was alarming. |
| He said his sentence had to show it would not be tolerated. | He said his sentence had to show it would not be tolerated. |
| Det Insp Malcolm MacLeod, head of the Grampian Police drug squad, said Scotland's first such laboratory had been discovered and dismantled. | |
| He said: "Methamphetamine is a very dangerous drug and it has serious implications not only for users but also for anyone else who comes into contact with it. | |
| "The health and safety consequences to local communities caused by those producing this drug are great. Fortunately, this drug is not widespread in the UK. | |
| "The sentencing of Paul Ross should serve as a clear reminder to anyone else who thinks they can attempt to manufacture or distribute illegal drugs such as crystal meth that this type of activity will not be tolerated." | |
| The drug is especially problematic in America and Australia. |