A SCOTS couple with six children are to be extradited to the USA for allegedly exporting chemicals to make highly addictive crystal meth, after judges at the highest appeal court in the country rejected their bid to remain in Britain.

The decision was made despite an emotional plea by the couple who believe splitting up the family is contrary to article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights.

The woman was released on bail and her now estranged husband was held in custody following the ruling by the Supreme Court.

The pair, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, face being sent to the US in 28 days, although their lawyers could try to challenge the decision at the European Court of Human Rights.

Lord Hope, Deputy President of the Supreme Court, admitted the best interests of the children, whose ages range between one and 14, "must be to continue to live with their mother" and if she is taken away "it seems likely that the long term effects of a prolonged separation of the magnitude that is in prospect in this case will be profound".

But he said "the interests of justice must be given effect to".

The American authorities, who want them to face trial in Arizona, claim at least 70 laboratories producing methamphetamine were allegedly supplied by the couple and indicated Class A drugs with a street value of $13.3 million (£8.1m) could have been produced. The pair were said to have received $132,922 from the sale of chemicals, including red phosphorus and iodine.