A man has been charged with producing the deadly toxin ricin in Salford, Greater Manchester Police have confirmed. Callum Browne, 28, of Rowland Street, Salford, is set to appear at Manchester and Salford Magistrates' Court later today after being remanded in custody.
Emergency Response
Emergency services were called to a flat on Rowland Street, near Salford Quays, at around 8:30pm on Sunday, May 31, 2026, following concerns for a person's welfare. Officers from Greater Manchester Police attended alongside the North West Ambulance Service. At the scene, they discovered substances believed to be potentially hazardous, which were subsequently removed. No injuries were reported.
Charges Filed
Following an investigation, Browne was arrested and later charged with two offences. The first charge is production of a biological toxin (ricin) under Section 2 of the Chemical Weapons Act 1996. The second charge is attempted production of a psychoactive substance, contrary to Section 1 of the Criminal Attempts Act 1981. A GMP spokesperson stated: "This charge comes after a man was arrested after officers were called by North West Ambulance Service to a property on Rowland Street, Salford shortly after 8:30pm on Sunday, May 31, 2026 after they attended a concern for welfare. Officers attended and found substances believed to be potentially hazardous however these were removed, and no injuries were reported."
Legal Proceedings
Browne has been remanded in custody and is due to appear at Manchester and Salford Magistrates' Court later today. The case highlights the serious nature of chemical weapon offences under UK law.
