Sheriff Refuses Bail to Mother on Drug Charges

A WOMAN facing possible extradition to the US over an alleged operation to produce a dangerous drug was yesterday refused bail.

Kerry Ann Shanks, 29, and her partner Brian Howes, 43, are wanted on 82 charges over the alleged supply of chemicals to people believed to be involved in production of methamphetamine, which is also known as crystal meth.

The pair were arrested in January by Central Scotland Police on behalf of the US Drug Enforcement Agency.

It was claimed in court at that time that chemicals allegedly supplied by the pair, of Bo’ness, in central Scotland, were traced to more than 80 unlawful laboratories in the US.

Edinburgh Sheriff Court was told that Shanks could only see her four children, under supervision. This lack of uncontrolled access would discourage her from fleeing with them, it was claimed.

Sheriff Isabella McColl did not believe the circumstances had change significantly from a previous hearing and refused bail.

The court heard that the amount of chemicals recovered could make around three quarters of a ton of the drug.

(c) 2007 Herald, The; Glasgow (UK). Provided by ProQuest Information and Learning. All rights Reserved.