UK man charged with attempting to obtain a chemical weapon, the deadly poison ricin

LONDON – A man from northwest England has appeared in court charged with trying to obtain a chemical weapon, the deadly poison ricin.

Mohammed Ammer Ali was arrested after police raided properties in Liverpool last week as part of a counter-terrorism operation.

He is charged with attempting to possess a chemical weapon — 500 grams (17.6 ounces) of ricin — between Jan. 10 and Feb. 12.

?Ali spoke only to confirm his name, address and date of birth during a brief hearing Tuesday at London's Westminster Magistrates' Court. He was ordered detained until his next court appearance.

Police say officers have not uncovered a terrorist plot or the threat an imminent attack either at home or abroad.

Ricin, derived from the castor bean plant, is one of the world's deadliest toxins.