A WORLDWIDE police operation into the supply of chemicals for drug production has resulted in the arrest of a North-East man.

Officers from Cleveland Police worked alongside forces in Scotland, America, Europe and Australia.

Brian Howes, 43, originally from Middlesbrough, was arrested along with Kerry Ann Shanks, 28, in West Lothian, Scotland. They had previously lived in the Cleveland force area.

They are expected to appear before Edinburgh Sheriff's Court tomorrow in relation to extradition proceedings to the United States.

Detective Superintendent Dave Duffey, director of intelligence for Cleveland Police, said yesterday: "This has been a complex and wide-ranging investigation which first began two years ago.

"Howes and Shanks were arrested over the alleged supply of chemicals to individuals believed to be involved in the production of methamphetamine - more commonly known as crystal meth."

Det Supt Duffey added that because of legal proceedings linked with the extradition process it would be inappropriate to comment further.

* Read The Northern Echo tomorrow for the full story.