Man guilty of drug and explosive charges

A MAN has been convicted of manufacturing drugs and explosives at his home in Yorkshire.

Vladimir Madle, 42, of Westgate End, Wakefield, was found guilty of 12 offences after a 12week trial at Leeds Crown Court. He will be sentenced in February.

The offences included possessing an explosive substance with intent to endanger life and possessing explosive substances in suspicious circumstances.

He was also convicted of possessing a Class A drug, crystal meth, with intent to supply and possession of a lock knife.

Madle was arrested in June 2017 on suspicion of possessing drugs and during a search of his home address, a number of items of concern were discovered including an improvised explosive device and pyrotechnic fuses.

Counter-terrorism officers took over the investigation, with the support of West Yorkshire Police.

Detective Chief Superintendent Martin Snowden said: “The unlawful possession of highly volatile items is not only extremely dangerous but is also a serious criminal offence.

“While this was not a terrorism investigation there was still a very real risk to public safety. The materials were being held in a wellpopulated residential area and the consequences of them being ignited, either accidentally or deliberately could have been tragic.”

He thanked neighbours for their help during the investigation.