Police chief welcomes jail sentence on Shropshire drugs producer
A police chief has welcomed the jailing of a man for running a drugs factory at a remote location in the Shropshire countryside.
Max Maxwell, aged 39, of Church Row, Clungunford, near Craven Arms, was sentenced to three years and four months for the production of Class A drugs and possession with intent to supply.
He admitted the offences when he appeared before Blackfriars Crown Court in London on Friday.
Maxwell was arrested by Holborn Major Crime Unit who carried out the investigation assisted by West Mercia Police.
Detective Chief Inspector Alan Edwards, the head of Shropshire CID, was called as an expert witness to give evidence to the court hearing. He previously trained in Holland and the USA on dismantling synthetic drugs.
DCI Edwards said the matter came to light during Bank Holiday Monday, April 25 when Maxwell was found asleep in his car on Hampstead Heath in London. A search of the vehicle resulted in the discovery of 20 wraps of crystal meth, a Class A controlled drug.
West Mercia Police officers Shrewsbury visited his home in Clungunford and found a crystal methamphetamine laboratory being used to supply drugs to people in the London area.
“This drug is very popular with the clubbing scene. The sentence imposed by the court reflects the seriousness of the offence. It is rare to find this type of laboratory outside a city area but it illustrates, yet again, the need for the people of Shropshire to be vigilant and to report anything suspicious,” said DCI Edwards.
“Those setting up drug factories, especially cannabis growing units, sometimes choose a quiet rural location where they feel they are less likely to attract attention. But if strangers suddenly set up in farm buildings or old barns, with frequent coming and goings, do call the police on 0300 333 3000 if your suspicions are raised”.
He said last week’s court case was the fruition of excellent partnership working between police officers from the Metropolitan and West Mercia forces. The defendant was arrested and interviewed in London while police in Shropshire discovered and dismantled the laboratory.
Chemicals and equipment seized by police at the Clungunford address have since been destroyed.
