Three individuals from Yeovil have admitted to offences involving the theft and illegal supply of prescription drugs following an investigation triggered by a pharmacy noticing inconsistencies in their medication stock.
Alastair Caines, 41, Stuart Eales, 55, and Louise Larby, 42, all formerly associated with a Yeovil pharmacy, appeared at Taunton Crown Court, sitting at North Somerset Courthouse, on Monday, 14 September.
Each defendant pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply or sell the prescription-only drug Oramorph without a valid prescription. They also admitted supplying Class C controlled drugs including Zopiclone, Diazepam, and Pregabalin, as well as the Class B controlled drug Dihydrocodeine.
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The unlawful activity came to light when the pharmacy reported discrepancies in their stock, prompting police to investigate.
Eales and Larby additionally pleaded guilty to theft by an employee, relating to the misuse of controlled drugs while employed at the pharmacy between May 2022 and March 2024.
Sentences handed down were as follows: Caines received a 20-month prison sentence suspended for two years, alongside a three-month home detention curfew and a 30-day rehabilitation requirement. Eales was sentenced to six months' imprisonment, suspended for one year, and ordered to complete 150 hours of unpaid work. Larby was handed an 18-month community order, including a 20-day rehabilitation programme and a nine-month mental health treatment requirement.
Notably, all three denied a further charge pertaining to the conspiracy to supply Tramadol, a Class C drug.
A fourth individual, a woman, was previously arrested during the investigation but was not charged.
Avon and Somerset Police emphasised the dangers involved, stating: “Selling or sharing prescription-only medication is a criminal offence. Taking drugs without appropriate medical supervision carries significant risks of adverse reactions.”