Extradition blow for drug accused

Brian Howes is confident the couple could win an appeal

A couple accused of supplying chemicals to class A drug producers have lost the latest round of their fight against extradition to the United States.

US authorities allege Brian Howes and Kerry Ann Shanks sold chemicals over the internet to crystal meth dealers.

A Scottish sheriff ruled they could be sent to America and referred the matter to ministers for the final decision.

The pair, from Bo'ness, have always denied any knowledge of what the chemicals were being used for.

They face up to 20 years in prison or a fine of $250,000 if convicted.

The couple, who married earlier this week, ran online company Lab Chemicals International from Bo'ness, near Falkirk, supplying 40 chemicals around the world.

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They were arrested by Central Scotland Police in January 2007 following an investigation by the US Drug Enforcement Agency and a ruling by a court in Phoenix, Arizona.

They spent seven months in prison on remand before being released on bail.

Mr Howes, 44, and Ms Shanks, 30, are facing 82 charges, alleging they used their internet company to supply red phosphorous and iodine to 400 customers in the States, most of whom were producing methamphetamine, also known as crystal meth.

Red phosphorous and iodine are legal in Britain, but regulated in the United States.

Mr Howes told the extradition hearing at Edinburgh Sheriff Court he ran a legitimate business supplying firework chemicals to amateur pyrotechnics and some medical chemicals.

But US officials claim the evidence against the couple includes incriminating emails, false or misleading packaging, and the evidence of undercover agents who posed as customers, and supplied enough chemicals to make 635kg of crystal meth.

No evidence was ever produced to extradite us - we shall take this fight as far as we can go Brian Howes

Outside court, Mr Howes, originally from Middlesbrough, said: "Obviously we believe it's the wrong decision.

"No evidence was ever produced to extradite us. We shall take this fight as far as we can go."

He said he believed they could win an appeal.

"I have been told its the strongest case there has ever been against extradition," he said.

"We have broken no laws."

Det Supt David Duffey, of Cleveland Police, said they had been investigating the couple since 2005.

He said: "We are really pleased with the court's decision but it is obviously not over yet and we will wait for the Scottish ministers' decision.

"It has been a good day."