A large-scale criminal network supplying illegal steroids and prescription-only medication worth £1.8 million has been uncovered by the medicines watchdog, leading to seven men being sentenced.
The investigation by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency’s (MHRA) Criminal Enforcement Unit discovered more than 130,000 doses of steroids and unauthorised medicines, including products such as tamoxifen, finasteride and modafinil.
The illegal supply was traced after a website linked to the Bolton area was suspected of selling performance-enhancing steroids and other illegal medicines by the UK Anti-Doping (UKAD).
MHRA investigators traced the activity to a flat above commercial premises on St Helens Road in Bolton, which was being used to store, package, and distribute the drugs.
Seven men were charged with offences including conspiracy to supply controlled drugs, supplying unauthorised medicines, and money laundering to the value of over £1.8 million and received combined sentences totalling more than 21 years’ imprisonment.
“This was a well-organised operation that put people at real risk. Medicines bought outside regulated channels can be unsafe, ineffective or fake,” Tim Duffield, MHRA Head of Intelligence said.
Source: The Independent, 30 April 2026
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