Skip to content

This Site is Intended for Healthcare Professionals Only

Search AI Powered

Latest Stories

Chelmsford drug dealer operating as 'unlicensed chemist' jailed for six years

Chelmsford drug dealer operating as 'unlicensed chemist' jailed for six years

Police discovered more than 50,000 pills and tablets of varying types at his residence on Wood Street in Chelmsford.

A drug dealer who was operating as an “unlicensed chemist” and selling prescription drugs online has been jailed for six years, according to Essex Police.


The convict, identified as 49-year-old Christopher Depp, aka David Jones, was supplying a range of drugs from his home to “vulnerable people” using the postal service, local police revealed on Friday (February 16).

Police conducted a search operation at his address in Wood Street, Chelmsford, in July last year and found more than 50,000 pills and tablets of varying types, stashed in toolboxes and spaces around the property.

To process the large-scale sale and shipping of controlled drugs across the UK, Depp had set up a room in his property as an office space.

He promoted the sale of medications through various social media platforms and messaging applications, and accepted payment from his large customer base using “fraudulently obtained” bank accounts.

Depp admitted offering to supply a controlled drug of Class A and being involved in the distribution of a controlled drug of Class B and a controlled drug of Class C.

He also admitted possessing identity documents with intent, an article for use in fraud, and a controlled drug of Class B.

Chelmsford Crown Court on Wednesday 14 February sentenced him to six years of prison.

Essex Police detective inspector Frazer Low described it as “an unusual case” as Depp was mainly serving customers looking to obtain prescription drugs.

“This doesn’t make the operation any less dangerous. These drugs should only have been accessible and available to those who had seen their doctor and obtained a prescription,” he said.

According to Low, Depp had “no regard” for the quantities of medication his customers consumed or “the reasons for their consumption.”

“This was not a service for those in need, it was run as a business preying upon often vulnerable people seeking medication for their illnesses, putting them at risk,” he added.

More For You

Air pollution in UK linked to thousands of deaths and chronic health conditions

A report by the Royal College of Physicians claims that air pollution was causing harm to almost every organ of the body.

iStock

Royal College of Physicians paints grim picture of air pollution in UK

Doctors warn that around 99 per cent of the population in the UK are breathing "toxic air", and around 30,000 deaths will be linked to air pollution in 2025.

The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) claimed in a report that air pollution was causing harm to almost every organ of the body, and shortening life by 1.8 years on average.

Keep ReadingShow less
Community pharmacies falling behind on data security toolkit submissions

The last date for submission is 30 June 2025.

Pic credit: iStock

Community pharmacies falling behind on data security toolkit submissions

More than 50 per cent of the community pharmacies in England have failed to complete their Data Security and Protection Toolkit 2025 with the deadline in less than two weeks.

Necessary guidance regarding the toolkit has previously been provided by Community Pharmacy England (CPE) earlier.

Keep ReadingShow less
Digital guide launched to help patients with osteoporosis

In the UK, over three million people have osteoporosis.

Pic credit: iStock

Digital guide launched to help patients with osteoporosis

The Royal Osteoporosis Society (ROS) has launched a free online service called BoneMed which is aimed to support patients with osteoporosis in taking their medicine and remove barriers to adherence.

After completing a five-minute online survey, patients will be emailed a summary of the medicine they have been prescribed and six further updates throughout the year on their medication.

Keep ReadingShow less
GPhC five-year plan to empower pharmacists, uphold public trust

GPhC's Strategic Plan 2025-30 will focus on empowering pharmacists and pharmacy technicians.

iStock

GPhC five-year plan to empower pharmacists, uphold public trust

The General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) launched its new plan for the next five years to uphold safety, quality and public trust in pharmacy.

The regulatory body unveiled its Strategic Plan 2025-30 during a Parliamentary event attended by pharmacy minister Stephen Kinnock on Wednesday (18).

Keep ReadingShow less
Glucose monitor and test strips on a blood sugar tracker sheet with lancets and pen device.

Medical device manufacturers will have to monitor the safety and performance of their products already in use.

iStock

Medical device regulation overhauled to improve patients' safety

Medical device manufacturers must now adhere to the UK's post-market surveillance (PMS) regulations.

The new rule came into effect on June 16, and manufacturers will have to monitor the safety and performance of their products already in use.

Keep ReadingShow less