Three men sentenced for producing 'Breaking Bad-style' meth labs across the West Midlands
Between 2020 and 2024, Jan Lacko, 49, David Sivak, 44, and Mohammed Akhtar, 45, ran multiple makeshift 'kitchen laboratories' in residential properties.
West Midlands Police said they would use chemistry instruments as well as dangerous chemicals to "cook" the meth.
The gang would refer to the drug as 'pervitin' or 'piko' – which are known to be slang terms for the highly-addictive drug.
After initially giving not-guilty pleas, the trio admitted to running the production of methylamphetamine a Class A controlled drug, in May this year.
Each man has now been sentenced for their part in the illegal operation.
'Highly addictive'
Sgt Antony Draper, from Birmingham's serious organised crime and exploitation team, 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 trained officers to assist with the execution of warrants, scientific and forensic support, translation services, shipping data and mobile phone analysis.'
The investigation
Officers from the Birmingham Serious Organised Crime and Exploitation Team (Socex), began investigating. Evidence was collated following multiple warrants, and vehicle stops.
Akhtar was found to act as the procurer of the required chemicals and the bulk delivery of required pseudoephedrine containing medication, from various overseas pharmaceutical companies, to Sivak and Lacko.
Lacko and Akhtar were both arrested and charged in November 2024, while Sivak was arrested and charged in January earlier this year.
What happened to the trio?
The trio all pleaded guilty to being concerned in the production of methylamphetamine a Class A controlled drug, at Birmingham Crown Court on Tuesday (13 May). Lacko also pleaded guilty to supplying a controlled drug of Class A – methylamphetamine.
Lacko, of Grove Lane, Birmingham, was jailed for three years and seven months.
Sivak, of no fixed address, was jailed for two years and four months.
Akhtar, of Rotton Park Road, Birmingham, was handed a 20-month suspended sentence.
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