Man operated Scotland’s first ‘shatter’ factory in Tayside.

COURT: Man, 26, could be jailed for producing and distributing ultra-strong drug

An ultra-strong drug sweeping the US has been discovered in Scotland on a commercial scale for the first time.

The new illicit substance remains rare but large quantities were being created in a cottage in Alyth.

Joshua Palmer had given over his entire home to the production of the drug, which is also known as BHO, and is created by distilling cannabis.

It is hugely volatile and his production line was a big danger to neighbours as one tiny mistake can be enough to cause an explosion.

The 26-year-old was sending thousands of pounds worth of the drug to buyers and addicts across the UK.

The cultivation required superior science skills and precision to ensure it could be created safely.

Palmer’s means of distribution was less sophisticated and at the height of his operation he was sending two to three packages a day via post from his local Scotmid store.

Police officers eventually found thousands of pounds of BHO and the cannabis needed to create it during a raid on March 17 last year.

They had been tipped-off by Post Office staff who had become concerned about Palmer’s activities.

In addition to the regularity of visits they could detect a strong odour emanating from both the accused and his packages, which they associated with cannabis.

Post Office security gave permission for the opening of one of the packages, destined for a buyer in Irvine.

A brown substance wrapped in layers of greaseproof paper, tinfoil and a padded envelope was found within and the police were contacted.

After viewing CCTV and obtaining Palmer’s address, the officers made Scottish history as they executed a search warrant the following day.

Drug paraphernalia, test tubes, heaters, specialised ovens, illicit substances and records of illegal activity were recovered from every room of his cottage.

Buckets, test tubes, trays, bottles and containers were all found filled with gelatinous substances and cannabis.