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Two UK-based pharmacists have been handed suspended prison sentences after admitting to the illegal supply of over 55 million Class C controlled drugs, including 47 million diazepam tablets, over a four-year period in a case described as “industrial scale” criminality.
Sentences Handed Down at Southwark Crown Court
Mandip Sidhu, 47, of Littleover, Derby, and Nabeil Nasr, 42, of Cheadle, Greater Manchester, each received two-year prison terms, suspended for 24 months, following sentencing at Southwark Crown Court.
The sentencing follows a prolonged criminal investigation by the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Authority (MHRA) Criminal Enforcement Unit, which uncovered the pair’s repeated and systematic breaches of controlled drug laws between May 2013 and June 2017.
“Illegal Operation of an Industrial Scale”
Sidhu, director of Pharmaceutical Health Limited (PHL) in Derby, was found guilty on five counts of illegally supplying Class C drugs and one count of forgery. Despite ceasing legitimate prescriptions in July 2013, PHL continued to acquire millions of controlled tablets, triggering serious concerns over diversion into illicit markets.
Investigators also uncovered forged invoices and falsified documentation—clear efforts to mislead MHRA inspectors during routine audits.
Nasr, who operated multiple pharmacies across the North West, also supplied large quantities of controlled medicines without appropriate wholesale licences, in violation of the Medicines Act 1968 and regulations under the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2001.
MHRA Warns of Public Health Risks
Andy Morling, Deputy Director of Criminal Enforcement at the MHRA, stated:
“This case demonstrates our commitment to using every tool at our disposal to protect the public from the dangers posed by illegally traded medicines.
The dedication and professionalism of our investigators helped bring these offenders to justice and safeguard patients from potentially devastating consequences.”
Controlled Substances and Addiction Risk
The Class C drugs, primarily diazepam (commonly known as Valium), are widely misused for their sedative and anti-anxiety effects. Large-scale illegal supply networks contribute to rising addiction rates, illicit street sales, and increased burden on emergency health services.
The unauthorised circulation of sedatives also raises the risk of drug interactions, overdoses, and deaths, especially when mixed with alcohol or opioids.
No Licences, No Accountability
Neither pharmacist held the necessary wholesale dealing licences, a fundamental legal requirement for pharmaceutical distribution in the UK.
Their operation flagrantly breached controlled drug regulations and endangered public safety on a massive scale.
A Message to the Industry
This landmark case sends a clear warning across the pharmaceutical industry: regulatory breaches will not be tolerated.
The MHRA urged those in the profession to maintain rigorous compliance standards, especially when handling controlled medicines that can easily be diverted or misused.
To report suspicious medical trading or controlled drug activity, visit the MHRA reporting portal or contact Crimestoppers anonymously at 0800 555 111.
