Three Indian-origin men were sentenced on Monday (7) at Southwark Crown Court for their part in illegally supplying potentially dangerous prescription-only drugs.
Jagdiep Dhonsi, Amrin Mirza and Shirina Ali were arrested following an investigation by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) that resulted in the seizure of more than 300,000 tablets, worth in excess of £315,000.
Dhonsi was sentenced to 38 months imprisonment, Mirza to 18 months imprisonment, and Ali to 9 months imprisonment for their roles in the crimes. They were convicted of conspiracy to supply unauthorised medicines, including diazepam, zolpidem and zopiclone along with other powerful prescription-only medicines.
Alastair Jeffrey, MHRA Head of Enforcement said medicines purchased outside the regulated supply chain cannot be guaranteed to meet standards of quality, safety and effectiveness and can present a real risk to public health.
"Some may contain dangerous ingredients which can have devastating consequences for patients who use them," said Jeffrey. "We work to identify those involved in illegal activities with medicines and will use our powers to investigate fully, confiscate assets and, where necessary, prosecute those putting profit before public health.
"Criminals selling medicines illegally have a flagrant disregard for your health, and only care about making money. Contact a GP or a healthcare professional if you have any concerns about your health."
Clifford had previously pleaded guilty to the murders of BBC sports commentator John Hunt’s wife and two daughters at their home in northwest of London, in July 2024. (Photo: Hertfordshire Police /Handout via REUTERS)
Crossbow murderer found guilty of raping ex-girlfriend
A 26-YEAR-OLD man who murdered three women in a crossbow and stabbing attack has been found guilty of raping one of them, his ex-girlfriend, a British court ruled on Thursday.
Kyle Clifford had previously pleaded guilty to the murders of BBC sports commentator John Hunt’s wife and two daughters at their home in Bushey, northwest of London, in July 2024.
The attack led to a manhunt before Clifford was found injured hours later in a north London cemetery.
A jury at Cambridge Crown Court on Thursday convicted Clifford of raping 25-year-old Louise Hunt before killing her.
His sentencing for all the crimes is scheduled for Tuesday.
Clifford had admitted to murdering Carol Hunt, 61, and her daughters Louise and Hannah, 28. He had also pleaded guilty to charges of false imprisonment and possessing offensive weapons but denied raping Louise.
During the trial, the court heard that after killing Carol Hunt, Clifford waited for an hour before attacking Louise, tying her up, raping her, and then killing her with a crossbow. He later killed Hannah when she returned home from work.
The prosecution described Clifford, a former soldier, as committing a "violent, sexual act of spite" and said he was "enraged" after Louise ended their 18-month relationship. They told the court that he had "carefully planned" the attack.
Less than 24 hours before the killings, Clifford had searched for a podcast by social media influencer Andrew Tate, according to the prosecution. They argued that the murders were driven by the "violent misogyny promoted" by Tate.
Justice Joel Bennathan called Clifford’s crimes "dreadful" and "almost unspeakable".
(With inputs from AFP)