British terror suspect ‘tried to buy deadly ricin after being caught in an FBI sting’

A TERROR suspect appeared in court yesterday charged with trying to obtain the deadly chemical ricin – after allegedly being caught in an FBI sting operation.

Westminster Magistrates CourtGETTY

Ali appeared at Westminster Magistrates Court, London, yesterday

Mohammed Ammer Ali, 31, is accused of attempting to buy 500mg of the lethal poison on the internet’s so-called “dark web”.

He is said to have paid around $500 (£325) for what he thought was five phials of ricin stashed in a toy car.

Ali was arrested following a joint investigation by the North West Counter Terrorism Unit, Merseyside Police, and the American authorities.

Father-of-two Ali, from Liverpool, spoke only to confirm his name, address and date of birth during a three-minute hearing at Westminster magistrates’ court in London.

Prosecutor Mark Dawson told the court that 500mg of ricin “whether inhaled or injected, would easily be enough to scientifically kill hundreds of people”.

The poison is said to be 600 times more deadly than cyanide.

Officers searched five addresses in Merseyside on February 11 and a number of items were seized.

It is understood that no ricin was discovered.

A police spokesman said that officers have not at this point uncovered a plan or threat of an imminent attack either at home or abroad.

Ali is charged with attempting to have a chemical weapon, namely 500mg of ricin, in his possession between January 10 and February 12, contrary to the Criminal Attempts Act 1981 and the Chemical Weapons Act 1996.

There was no application for bail and Ali was remanded in custody to appear at the Old Bailey on March 13.

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