Two pharmacy workers charged with stealing drugs

Two pharmacy workers are among three people who have been charged in connection with the theft and supply of prescription-only drugs, following a two year investigation.

Alastair Caines, 40, from Yeovil, along with Stuart Eales and Louise Larby who are both formerly from Yeovil, are due to appear in court on Tuesday 31 March. They are all charged with conspiracy to supply drugs including zopiclone, diazepam and tramadol.

Eales, 54 and Larby, 41, are both also charged with the theft of controlled drugs while working at a pharmacy, between May 2022 and March 2024.

Police began investigating when a pharmacy, understood to be in East Somerset, reported discrepancies in its stock.

Caines, Eales and Larby are all due to appear at Yeovil Magistrates' Court on 31 March.

As well as conspiracy to supply zopiclone, diazepam and tramadol, they are also charged with conspiracy to supply dihydrocodeine, pregabalin and oramorph.

The drugs are a mix of prescription painkillers, sleeping pills and anxiety reducing medication.

A fourth person previously arrested in connection with the investigation has been released without charge.

Selling or sharing prescription-only medication is a criminal offence, while taking a drug without the proper medical assessment carries a significant risk of an adverse reaction.

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