Man denies selling chemicals to make drugs

Published on Wednesday 30 January 2008 09:26

A BUSINESSMAN wanted by American authorities who claim he sold banned chemicals via the internet has denied running an "Aladdin's Cave" for drug-makers.

Brian Howes, 44, of Bo'ness, West Lothian, refuted claims he used his online chemical company as a veneer for the illegal sale of two chemicals used in the production of Class A drug methamphetamine, known as Crystal Meth.

He also claimed not to know the chemicals, red phosphorous and iodine, were being used to make methamphetamine in the States even though he had a recipe for the drug stored on his computer.

Howes and his partner Kerry-Ann Shanks, 29, are fighting extradition to the US, where authorities want to try them on 82 charges in connection with the alleged supply of banned chemicals via the internet for the purpose of producing methamphetamine. Both deny any wrongdoing.

At an extradition hearing at Edinburgh Sheriff Court yesterday,

Howes admitted frequently posting amounts of red phosphorous and iodine to the US but said he did not know they were banned there.

He admitted the online chemical business had made 66,800 over a three-year period.

If convicted in the States, the couple face a maximum penalty of 20 years in jail or a fine of 12,600. The hearing continues.