East End pharmacist jailed for drug offences

NIREN PATEL, 38, has been sentenced to a total of 12 months in prison, after pleading guilty to two counts of fraud by abuse of a position of trust, possession with intent to supply a Class B drug and five counts of possession to supply a Class C drug.

Patel had pleaded guilty to the charges at Snaresbrook Crown Court on 10th May. He was sentenced last week.

Patel was working for the Day Lewis Pharmacy in Hornchurch. In August last year, the pharmacy noticed that drugs were missing and reported this to the police. The Metropolitan Police Controlled Drug Liaison Team began an investigation. Police found that Patel had placed fraudulent orders for drugs worth almost £5,000.

Patel admitted that he had sold the drugs he had obtained to a member of the public on the street. The drugs sold included:
•Genotropin, a growth hormone used by body builders;
•Dexamfetamine, a Class B drug used for weight loss and to improve academic performance;
•various Class C sedatives used as “downers”.

After the conviction, the police stressed that although these drugs are safe when correctly prescribed, they can be dangerous when taken without medical supervision and can also be highly addictive.

•Read more about it:
Midwife stole drugs from Romford Hospital
East End women harbour escaped convicts

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