Two pharmacists have been arrested as a result of an investigation into a plot to divert “significant” quantities of prescription drugs to the black market.
Investigators from the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) believe they have uncovered an extensive criminal network that has been siphoning huge amounts of benzodiazepines, such as diazepam, and other hypnotics from the regulated supply chain.
The arrests in Yorkshire on Wednesday followed the purchase of more than 200,000 packs of benzodiazepines and other drugs by the pharmacists, who were found to have only dispensed a small proportion of the drugs.
Local police acting on behalf of the MHRA arrested the pair on suspicion of possession with intent to supply, unlawful supply, conspiracy to supply and unlawful possession of a controlled drug. Both have been bailed while investigators continue their inquiries.
“Evidence shows extensive criminality involving a number of businesses,” said Alastair Jeffrey, the MHRA head of enforcement. “As a matter of priority we are working with our regulatory and law enforcement colleagues to identify and prosecute those involved in this activity and to implement preventative measures to make sure this illegal industry is shut down.”
“Prescription-only medicines are, by their very nature, potent and should only be prescribed by a doctor or appropriate healthcare professional. We would advise people not to buy medicines from unregulated sources as they pose a danger to their health.”
An MHRA spokeswoman said the investigation followed two unrelated referrals from police in Ireland and Scotland in 2015 and 2016, in which investigations found suspects in possession of seemingly legitimate UK medicines.
It is usually more common to find unlicensed versions of the drugs that have been illegally imported into the UK, she said.
Five benzodiazepines have been identified as a priority by investigators, including diazepam, nitrazepam, temazepam, zolpidem and zopiclone.
The main market for illegally sold benzodiazepines is heroin users who are looking for ways to dampen withdrawal symptoms, although stimulant drug users may also use them “if they get bored or want to go to sleep”, said Dr Simon Brandt, a drug chemist at Liverpool John Moores University.
“Like with any medicines, they need to be taken in consultation with a GP,” Brandt said. “What you generally find is, depending on the indications, for instance people with anxiety or who struggle to get to sleep, they may receive prescription benzos for a short time.
“As people start to take them for longer, then you have tolerance, so people would have to increase the dosage. Then, later on, when they are in a position to stop taking them, they will have developed some form of dependency.”
