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Three individuals have been convicted at Wolverhampton Crown Court over their roles in a criminal network involved in selling controlled drugs and unauthorised medicine online, the MHRA has said.  

The MHRA’s criminal enforcement unit (CEU) had through its ‘Operation Lamborghini’ investigation uncovered the organised network’s activities, identifying nearly two million doses of medicines linked to the group such as benzodiazepines, zolpidem, zopiclone and codeine.

Everton Reynolds, Paul BIllngham and Junior Ranger were convicted of conspiracy to supply Class B and C controlled drugs and conspiracies to supply unauthorised prescription medicines following a six-week trial. 

Anita Rama had pleaded guilty at an earlier hearing, while another individual was found not guilty. 

Andy Morling, head of the CEU, commented: “This conviction sends a clear message that the trafficking of medicines is a serious criminal offence that will be met with a robust and coordinated response by the MHRA.

“We will continue to pursue those who threaten the public with dangerous and unlicensed medicines, wherever they operate.”

Gayle Ramsay of the Crown Prosecution Service said: “These four defendants showed absolute disregard for the health consequences of selling unauthorised medicines and prescription only drugs to people without the proper professional medical consultation and authorisation to do so.

“The defendants would have no understanding as to the safety of these medicines and the impact of using them for potential buyers. 

“The sale of any form of illegal drugs causes devastating consequences for people. The public and local communities.”

Related: ‘No arrests’ as Northampton raid sees largest ever seizure of illegal GLP-1s