03/31/2023 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 03/31/2023 11:15
Three criminals who used the dark web to distribute counterfeit drugs have been jailed today (31 March 2023) in one of the biggest operations of its kind.
The South East Regional Organised Crime Unit (SEROCU) and CPS prosecution team identified Marc James Ward as a leading global supplier of counterfeit Xanax.
Marc James Ward, 36; Christopher James Kirby, 35; and Thomas Russell Durden, 36; pleaded guilty to unlawfully supplying a variety of drugs, including counterfeit Pfizer Xanax, as well as money laundering offences, and were sentenced to a total of 20 years and 11 months at Portsmouth Crown Court.
The defendants were responsible for the production and supply of counterfeit Alprazolam tablets, as well as other controlled drugs including counterfeit Xanax.The counterfeit "Xanax" had been produced online and sold, via darknet markets, by the "Hulkedbenzoboss" and "Achlysuk" as well as from "Clearnet" websites under the name "www.cheaperpharma.com" and "www.fitsupps.co".
The defendants received payment for these drugs in bitcoin, and used cryptocurrency to launder the proceeds.
Joanne Jakymec, Chief Crown Prosecutor said: "These three defendants showed complete disregard for the possible health implications of their counterfeiting operation. They were focussed only on their financial gain and not on the damage that their drug production and sale could cause to others.
"We put together a compelling case with the officers from SEROCU, and used expert witnesses in drugs supply and crypto currency witnesses to deal with a challenging and complex case.
"The CPS will now start proceedings to recoup the proceeds of crime from the defendants.
The CPS is committed to working alongside law enforcement to prosecute organised criminal gangs responsible for significant harm to the public.
Prevention of falling victim to fake medicines
It takes laboratory testing to confirm 100% if a medication is authentic or counterfeit but there are often indicators that are worth looking out for: