Overview
- The five men were detained during an NCA operation on August 13 and first appeared at Coventry Magistrates' Court where they were remanded in custody.
- At a hearing on September 10 the defendants confirmed their identities, pleaded not guilty and used Spanish interpreters for parts of their testimony.
- The National Crime Agency says the suspects are accused of running a clandestine methamphetamine laboratory on a remote farm near Furnace End in Warwickshire.
- All five face a charge of conspiracy to produce a Class A drug and their trial is set for February 15 at the Crown Court in Warwickshire with potential sentences under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 reaching life imprisonment for the most serious roles.
- The NCA continues to investigate possible links to international criminal groups and will follow forensic, financial and communication evidence as the case moves toward trial.