Men sentenced after investigation exposes £1.8m illegal medicines network

LocalHealth & Fitness
1 May 2026 • 12:47 AM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

Men sentenced after investigation exposes £1.8m illegal medicines network

  • A large-scale criminal network supplying illegal steroids and prescription-only medication worth £1.8 million has been uncovered by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), leading to seven men being sentenced.
  • The investigation, prompted by UK Anti-Doping (UKAD), led to the seizure of over 130,000 doses of steroids and unauthorised medicines, including tamoxifen, finasteride, and modafinil.
  • The illegal supply operation was traced to a flat in Bolton, which was used for storing, packaging, and distributing the drugs.
  • Seven men were charged with offences including conspiracy to supply controlled drugs, supplying unauthorised medicines, and money laundering, receiving combined sentences totalling over 21 years’ imprisonment.
  • The MHRA has urged the public to only purchase medicines from trusted and regulated sources due to the risks associated with unregulated products.

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