Brian Howes, 48, of West Lothian, Scotland, has been extradited from Scotland to the District of Arizona. U.S. Magistrate Judge David K. Duncan ordered that Howes remain in custody pending trial on an 82 count indictment that charges him with unlawfully importing and distributing regulated chemicals to Arizona.
A federal grand jury in Phoenix returned the indictment against Howes in September 2007. The indictment alleges that Howes was the founder and owner of an internet business that operated a website known as www.KNO3.com. Howes allegedly used the website to import and distribute to Arizona the chemicals red phosphorus and iodine, both of which are used in the manufacture of methamphetamine. The indictment alleges that Howes sold approximately 6,900 grams of red phosphorus and 4850 grams of iodine to customers in Arizona between 2004 and 2006.
Howes is scheduled to be tried before U.S. District Judge Frederick J. Martone on Sept. 5, 2012. The extradition of Howes’ co-defendant, Kerry Ann Shanks, is pending.
A conviction for unlawful importation and distribution of regulated chemicals carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, or both.