Brian Howes wanted by the American authorities as part of an investigation into the production of crystal meth

Brian Howes, 44,and his wife of just two days, Kerry Ann, 30, are wanted by the American authorities as part of an investigation into the production of crystal meth.
The couple, of Bo’ness, Scotland, could face 82 charges of supplying chemicals over the internet to people believed to be involved in the production of methamphetamine. The charges could lead to a jail term of almost 100 years.The hearing took place at Edinburgh Sheriff Court yesterday.A previous hearing was told claims that chemicals allegedly supplied by the pair were traced to more than 80 illegal laboratories in the US.Sheriff Isabella McColl ruled that the case must now be referred to Scottish ministers for a final decision on whether they should be sent to America.
The ruling comes just days after the couple, who have four children aged from two to 10, were married in a low-key ceremony in Bo’ness.Sheriff McColl continued bail in both cases.Speaking after the hearing, Mr Howes, who formerly ran a fruit machine sales business from a Middlesbrough industrial estate and sold chemicals from a Stockton business centre, vowed to fight the extradition bid.US authorities allege that the pair knowingly sold chemicals for use in the manufacture of the synthetic drug.The couple were arrested in January last year by Central Scotland Police on behalf of the US Drug Enforcement Agency.The couple were originally arrested following Operation Enfield, led by Cleveland Police, which concerned the supply of chemicals over the internet.The materials sold are understood to be illegal in the US, but they are legal in Britain.Mr and Mrs Howes, who have consistently denied any wrong-doing, will have to wait a number of months before a final decision is made in their case.The sheriff’s job was to satisfy herself that the request from the US met the requirements of the Extradition Act.The couple’s legal team can appeal against yesterday’s ruling and they also have a right to appeal to the High Court if the decision by ministers goes against them.Mr Howes insisted the couple had done nothing wrong.‘‘We took legal advice and we didn’t know the chemicals were misused,’’ he said outside the court.
He added: ‘‘Obviously we believe it’s the wrong decision.
‘‘No evidence was ever produced to extradite us and I believe extradition without evidence is obviously wrong.
‘‘We’re going to take the fight as far as we have to go.’’

Posted in: Scotland