TWO gangsters who ran a Breaking Bad-style drugs factory in Johnstone have been jailed for a total of nine years.

Michael Shek, 35, and 56-year-old James Carroll ran the operation – capable of churning out hundreds of thousands of illegal pills dubbed ‘The Blue Plague’ – from a 4,000 square foot industrial unit.

Both men admitted having links to serious organised crime and being involved in the supply of etizolam at the High Court in Glasgow last month.

During an operation in April 2019, police searched a unit in Mary Street, Johnstone, which was being used to produce 'street valium.'

When officers examined a white lorry and a black trailer inside the premises, they found tubs containing etizolam powder, bags containing etizolam tablets and chemicals used in the manufacture of pharmaceuticals.

There was also various drug-making equipment, including a rotary pill press, blender, funnel, scales, face masks, paper suit and gloves.

The etizolam powder and etizolam tablets recovered had a potential value of £388,781.

Carroll’s DNA was found on the inside of the paper suit, face mask and dust mask, while Shek’s DNA was found on the inside of the face mask.

Both men's fingerprints were found on the pill press.

Carroll, from Renfrew, was today jailed for five years and three months, while Shek, from Johnstone, has been ordered to spend three years and nine months behind bars.

As well as receiving prison sentences, both men also had Serious Crime Prevention Orders imposed on them.

The orders, which last for three years after they are released from prison, restrict their association with each other and one other person, ownership of communication devices, possession of chemicals and drug manufacturing equipment and involvement in the importation of goods.

They will also have to notify police of any changes of address, including holiday accommodation, and the ownership or use of any vehicle.

Kenny Donnelly, Procurator Fiscal for the High Court, said: “I hope that these convictions and the sentences imposed send a strong message to others involved in this kind of criminal behaviour and demonstrate the ability of police and prosecutors to investigate and prosecute serious and organised crime.

“As a member of Scotland’s Serious and Organised Crime Taskforce, we will continue to work with our partners to ensure that these crimes are detected and those responsible prosecuted using all measures at our disposal.

“The Serious Crime Prevention Orders imposed on the accused will restrict their activities and make it harder for them should they choose to return to crime when they are released from prison.”

Read all the latest from Renfrewshire and beyond

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