Four men charged in Warwickshire methamphetamine production plot

Four men have been charged in connection with an alleged conspiracy to produce methamphetamine at a farm near Furnace End in Warwickshire. The individuals—Kenneth Burton, Paul Harkness Mawby, and Anthony Devine, all aged 34, along with Mohammed Khan of Birmingham—were arrested following searches conducted by the National Crime Agency (NCA) in Birmingham and the North East.

The investigation follows the August discovery of a hidden laboratory at a rural farm, where officers found equipment including gas canisters, plastic tubs, and metal tubing. This operation is linked to a previous case involving five Mexican nationals who appeared at Warwick Crown Court in September to deny similar charges. Those defendants, originating from the Michoacan and Sinaloa regions, are scheduled for trial in February.

Methamphetamine is classified as a Class A drug and is noted for its high addictiveness and potential to cause severe health issues such as psychosis, heart attacks, or strokes.