Authorities in Northampton have uncovered and dismantled the UK’s first illicit weight-loss drug production facility, seizing the largest haul of trafficked slimming medicines ever recorded worldwide.
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) found thousands of unlicensed Retatrutide and Tirzepatide pens, tens of thousands of empty injector pens, raw chemicals, and £20,000 in cash, with the operation valued at over £250,000.
Officials warned that the untested products were “potentially deadly” and urged people to only purchase medicines from registered pharmacies. Health Secretary Wes Streeting hailed the bust as a major victory against criminals profiting from dangerous counterfeit treatments.
