A 58-year-old man from Wokingham has been jailed for selling large quantities of pharmaceutical drugs on the dark web.
Kevin Richardson, of Station Road, Wokingham, was sentenced to nine years and months’ imprisonment at Reading Crown Court on Wednesday, January 22.
He previously pleaded guilty to Four counts of fraudulently evading the prohibition on the exportation of morphine.
– One count of supplying a controlled drug of class A, namely morphine.
– Three counts of supplying a controlled drug of class C, namely diazepam.
– One count of offering to supply class C drugs, namely diazepam, tramadol, alprazolam, zopiclone and pregabalin.
– One count of possession with intent to supply a controlled drug of class C, namely diazepam.
– One count of possession with intent to supply a controlled drug of class C, namely tramadol.
– One count of possession with intent to supply a controlled drug of class C, namely alprazolam.
– One count of possession with intent to supply a controlled drug of class C, namely zopiclone.
– One count of possession with intent to supply a controlled drug of class C, namely pregabalin.
– One count of offering to supply class A drugs, namely morphine and oxycodone.
On 26 April 2022, officers from the South East Regional Organised Crime Unit (SEROCU) carried out a warrant at Richardson’s home. He was found inside the property with a number of digital devices which were signed into dark web marketplace accounts.
Officers seized approximately 99,000 capsules of medication including zopiclone, pregabalin, diazepam, alprazolam, tramadol and alprazolam, with an estimated value of around £77,000.
Additionally, £12,000 in cryptocurrency and £8,000 in cash was seized.
Specialist Investigator Elena Vickers, of SEROCU said: “Today’s sentencing is as the result of a rigorous three-year investigation, supported by dedicated partner agencies in the United States.
“Richardson recklessly distributed these drugs on the dark web to vulnerable individuals worldwide without regard for the potentially devastating consequences they could have.
“Buying pharmaceutical products from the dark web can be extremely dangerous. Although they may look legitimate, the capsules are sometimes manufactured with unsafe products which can pose a risk to whoever takes them.
“There are reasons why only doctors can prescribe such medication such as ensuring correct dosages and being able to monitor any side effects. You should seek medical attention if you have purchased drugs in this way.”
