Mark Robert Witchell, aged 61, of Stoke-on-Trent, was sentenced on 3 March 2026 at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court after pleading guilty to unlawfully supplying Class B and Class C controlled drugs and a range of unauthorised medicines.

Specialist prosecutor for the Crown Prosecution Service, Ben Reid said: ‘Witchell showed complete disregard for the vulnerable individuals who purchased from his websites and the dangers of the drugs he supplied, which were prescription medicines with side effects and high potential for addition.'

Witchell was arrested upon attempting to re-enter the UK via ferry after living for 10 years in Brazil. For the first time in the MHRA's history, the Criminal Enforcement Unit was seeking his extradition at the time of his return.

The offences, which took place between August 2013 and December 2015, involved the unlawful supply of Class B controlled drug codeine, and Class C controlled drugs alprazolam, diazepam, tramadol, zolpidem and zopiclone. 

Witchell and, three others who were convicted and sentenced in March 2023, also sold prescription-only medicines, including Cialis and Levitra tablets, without a valid prescription, and supplied a range of unauthorised medicinal products including Kamagra, Apcalis, Aurogra and others.