A man arrested in Britain by counter-terrorism detectives has been charged with attempting to acquire a chemical weapon in the form of the toxin ricin.
Mohammed Ammer Ali (31), from Liverpool, appeared at Westminster magistrates court on Tuesday. He has been charged with attempting to have a chemical weapon, “namely 500mg of ricin”, according to charge information provided by the Crown Prosecution Service.
The charge against Ali reads: “Between 10th day of January 2015 and 12th day of February 2015, attempted to have a chemical weapon in his possession, namely 500mg ricin, contrary to s1 Criminal Attempts Act 1981, and s2.1(c) Chemical Weapons Act 1996.”
The arrests and searches were led by the north-west counter-terrorism unit (NWCTU) with Merseyside police assisting. The arrest followed an operation by counter-terrorism officials that had been under way for some days.
Police said items seized from the raids at five addresses continue to be examined.
Mr Ali wore a dark sweater and trousers as he sat in the dock for the three-minute hearing. Mr Ali spoke only to confirm his name, address and date of birth.
Senior district judge Howard Riddle remanded the defendant in custody to appear at the Old Bailey on March 13th.
In a statement earlier, Merseyside police said: “A number of items were seized from the addresses - which are linked to the individual - and will now be subject to further investigation.
“The NWCTU would like to make it clear that the businesses searched were done solely due to connections with the man arrested.
“It remains the case that at this time, officers have uncovered no plan or threat of an imminent attack either at home or abroad.”
Guardian News and Media 2015