By Samantha Jones-
Three individuals have been handed sentences totaling three years for their involvement in the illegal sale and supply of prescription-only medicines and controlled Class B and Class C drugs.
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) played a pivotal role in uncovering this illicit operation, which had a staggering street value exceeding £1.5 million.
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Cleave Lewis (35) and brothers Denis Sutherland (58) and David Sutherland (59) were apprehended after officers from the MHRA and Greater Manchester Police executed search warrants at their residential homes and business premises in October 2017.
The raids yielded a substantial haul of nearly 1.3 million tablets of prescription-only drugs, including potent sleeping pills, painkillers, and anti-anxiety medications.
The defendants pleaded guilty to the unlawful online sale of these medicines through three different websites.
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The charges encompassed not only the distribution of controlled medicines but also the illicit trade of over half a million (525,737) tablets, including erectile dysfunction, slimming, and herbal supplements, with an estimated value of approximately £500,000.
Sentencing and Legal Consequences
Following the MHRA’s investigation, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) brought charges against Denis Sutherland, David Sutherland, and Cleave Lewis. On 30 November 2021, all three defendants entered guilty pleas at Manchester Crown Court. The sentencing, which took place on 8 December 2023, saw Denis Sutherland receiving a three-year jail term, while David Sutherland and Cleave Lewis were sentenced to one year in jail, suspended for two years, with 200 hours of unpaid community work each.
MHRA’s Vigilant Enforcement
Andy Morling, MHRA Deputy Director of Criminal Enforcement, emphasized the gravity of such illegal activities, stating, “Criminals trading in medicines illegally like this are not only breaking the law, but they also have no regard for your safety.”
The confiscated medicines were described as powerful and capable of causing serious adverse health consequences if taken without appropriate medical supervision.
Morling highlighted the MHRA’s relentless commitment to preventing, detecting, and investigating illegal activities related to medicines and medical devices. The agency’s Criminal Enforcement Unit remains dedicated to safeguarding public health by disrupting harmful trade and holding offenders accountable.
Historical Context and the Fight Against Illicit Online Pharmacies
This case adds to a broader historical narrative of law enforcement agencies grappling with the rise of illicit online pharmacies.
The internet has provided a platform for the illegal sale of prescription medicines and controlled substances, posing significant risks to public health.
The battle against these nefarious operations involves not only criminal enforcement but also raising awareness among the public about the dangers of purchasing medications from unregulated sources.
MHRA Safety Advice and Cautionary Measures
The MHRA took this opportunity to reiterate safety advice for individuals buying medicines online. Medicines and medical devices are not ordinary consumer goods, and their sale and supply are tightly controlled.
Websites operating outside the legal supply chain may offer prescription medicines without requiring a prescription, presenting significant health risks. The MHRA urges consumers to exercise caution and only purchase medicines from legitimate and regulated sources.
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