TWO men have appeared in court accused of running a drugs factory in Johnstone which could have produced millions of potentially-deadly pills dubbed ‘The Blue Plague.’
James Carroll and Michael Shek are said to have been concerned in the supply of Etizolam – a former legal high which is often sold as Valium and has been blamed for a number of deaths in the west of Scotland.
They were arrested after police raided an industrial unit in Mary Street, Johnstone.
READ MORE: Two men arrested after drug raid in Johnstone
Police said they recovered a quantity of pills, a pill press and other equipment used in the production of drugs during the raid on the morning of Wednesday, April 24.
Carroll, 55, of Renfrew, and 34-year-old Shek, of Johnstone, were held in police custody overnight before appearing in the dock at Paisley Sheriff Court last Thursday.
They each made no plea to the single charge against them, brought under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, during their behind-closed-doors hearings before Sheriff Lindsey Kooner.
Shek was represented by defence solicitor Charlie McCusker, while lawyer Tony Callahan appeared on behalf of Carroll.
The charge against them alleges that, at Unit 1, Victoria Works, Mary Street, Johnstone, they were both concerned in the supply of class-C drugs in the form of Etizolam.
It is claimed they had 500kg of mixing agents within the lock-up, giving them the capability to make 2.5million tablets.
Following their arrests, Detective Inspector John Stewart said: “Drugs are a menace and cause communities and families immeasurable harm.
“I want to reassure people that we will use every tool and tactic at our disposal to target those involved in this type of criminality.
“Drugs are a real concern but, with local people’s continued support and co-operation, we can all make a difference and reduce the threat of such criminality.
“Those who think they can get away with peddling drugs without facing the consequence are wrong.
READ MORE: Linwood man 'lucky to be alive' after face engulfed by flames in horror incident
“We are and we will continue to target anyone involved in drugs and the criminality around such products.”
The operation was carried out by Renfrewshire and Inverclyde Serious and Organised Crime Team.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here