East London crook charged with meds crimes

Mile End man sent down for involvement in the illegal supply and sale of potentially dangerous unauthorised and prescription-only medicines and Class C drugs.

Published 25 July 2019 From: Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency

Leonard Cosgrove, 56, was yesterday sentenced to 2 years and 9 months after being found guilty of conspiracy to supply unauthorised medicinal products, the supply of prescription only medicines and Class C drugs.

Yesterday’s sentencing follows an in-depth investigation by enforcement officers from the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) into a network suspected to be involved in the illegal importation and supply of medicines such as Tadalafil, Sibutramine, and Sildenafil.

Supplying medicines from sources outside the regulated supply chain represents a significant public health risk as they may contain dangerous ingredients that can have devastating consequences for the people who use them. As such the criminal group responsible showed a complete disregard for the public’s safety and well-being.

Tariq Sarwar, MHRA Head of Operations, said of the conviction:

“Our message is clear: illegally supplying prescription only and unlicensed medicines and Class C drugs is a serious criminal offence.

“Medicines sold this way cannot be guaranteed to be safe and can present a real risk to public health. Some may contain dangerous ingredients that can have devastating consequences for the people who use them.

“Criminals selling medicines illegally show a blatant disregard for your health, and only care about making money. If you have any concerns about your health please contact a GP or a healthcare professional.”