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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 international drugs ring has been taken back to his home by police while they searched the property. 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.
Crystal Meth 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.
The US Drug Enforcement Agency has issued details of a major drug 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.
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. 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 raidPrevious raid
A spokesman for Central Scotland Police said: "The operation is on-going." 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 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. 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.