SPECIAL TO THE REPORTER

Parvez Issa and Sohail Issa have been indicted by a federal grand jury for conspiracy to manufacture a controlled substance, distribution of precursor chemicals and improper entry by an illegal alien.

The five-count indictment was filed recently in U.S. District Court by Alice H. Martin, U.S. attorney for the Northern District of Alabama; Pelham Police Chief Allan Wade; and Michael A. Holt, special agent in charge, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

According to Martin, Parvez Issa, 28, and Sohail Issa, 23, are brothers and are Pakistani nationals residing in Birmingham. The indictment charges the Issa brothers with conspiring to manufacture methamphetamine, and distribution of pseudoephedrine, a chemical used to manufacture methamphetamine.

The indictment also charges Parvez Issa with illegal entry to the United States.

If convicted, Parvez Issa could serve a maximum sentence of 70 years and six months in prison and be fined up to $5 million. Sohail Issa could receive up to 30 years in prison and be fined up to $4.25 million.

The Pelham Police Department investigated the case with the assistance of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.