Two men have now been jailed for their roles in the production of crystal meth, while a third has received a suspended sentence.
Jan Lacko, 49, David Sivak, 444, and Mohammed Akhtar, 45, were sentenced at Birmingham Crown Court earlier this year.
Police said the trio ran multiple makeshift ‘kitchen laboratories’ in homes across the West Midlands, where they’d use chemistry instruments and chemicals to ‘cook’ meth.
Photographs show bulk deliveries from overseas pharmaceutical companies of chemicals, as well as pills containing pseudoephedrine – often sold under the brand name Sudafed – which is used as a precursor in the production of meth.
The seized drugs. 
Three men have been sentenced for their involvement in the production of crystal meth.
After initially giving not-guilty pleas, the trio admitted to running the production of methylamphetamine a Class A controlled drug, in May this year. 
Chemicals used for drug manufacture.
All three men co-ordinated together, sharing resources to pursue the criminal enterprise of producing Methylamphetamine, commonly known as crystal meth.
Equipment used for drug manufacture. 
Equipment used for drug manufacture.
Lacko and Akhtar were both arrested and charged in November 2024, while Sivak was arrested and charged in January this year.
David Sivak, 44.
All three pleaded guilty to being cornered in the production of a Class A drug, while Lacko also pleaded guilty to supplying a controlled class A drug.
Jan Lacko, 49.
Lacko was jailed for three years and seven months, while Sivak was jailed for two years and four months.
Mohammed Akhtar, 45.
Akhtar, who procured chemicals, was given a 20-month suspended sentence.
West Midlands Police’s Sergeant Antony Draper said: “Crystal meth has grown large exposure in the public through entertainment, and more specifically US television drama, Breaking Bad.
“However, the reality of this highly addictive and dangerous drug, is far from glamorous. It is much dirtier, and comes with serious health implications for users.
“It is highly addictive and takes a huge toll on the human body. The production of the drug is also highly dangerous, creating a substantial risk to all those around.
“With highly dangerous chemicals involved, the risks of serious injury are incredibly high, due to the large amount of toxic waste produced, as well as toxic fumes – all which create a dangerous risk of fires and explosions.
“This was a complex investigation that required specialist support from CBRN [chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear] trained officers to assist with the execution of warrants, scientific and forensic support, translation services, shipping data and mobile phone analysis.”
According to a survey carried out by the Office for National Statistics for April 2023 to March 2024, 0.6 per cent of 16 to 59 year olds in England and Wales report ever having used Methamphetamine – compared to 30.3 per cent for cannabis and 10.4 per cent for cocaine.