Three more sentenced in UK fake drugs conspiracy trial

Three more people have been sentenced in the UK following the global fake drugs scam trial.

Gary Haywood was sentenced to six years; Zahid Mirza was sentenced to two and a half years in his absence; and Ashwin Patel was sentenced to 18 months. Co-conspirator Ashish Halai was sentenced two weeks ago.

In sentencing, Judge Price said, "This is a case of greed motivated by immense profits. These sentences are designed to deter others from becoming involved in the lucrative business. The scale of enterprise was truly global and conducted with a total and cynical disregard for consumers."

This is the biggest drugs counterfeiting case to be brought by the MHRA to date. "The conviction of these individuals sends a clear message to those engaged in such criminal activity that we will not hesitate to use the full force of the law against them," said Mick Deats, Head of Enforcement at the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).

"We continue to remind the public that self prescribing of medicines via the internet is not only risky to their own health but is ultimately lining the pockets of criminals who are selling goods which have totally by-passed the legitimate supply chain and have the potential therefore at the very least to be ineffective and at worst they could kill."