Illegal Weight-Loss Drugs and The Hidden Criminal Risks

Investigation Highlights Legal Implications For Those Involved In Sale of Unlicensed Medicines and Drugs.

At first glance, some online weight-loss drug sellers appear every bit the polished, professional operation.

They boast impressive Trustpilot ratings, sleek branding, and promises of fast, discreet delivery.

But behind the glossy front, a growing number of these websites are supplying illegal, unlicensed and potentially dangerous injectable drugs – and both buyers and sellers are increasingly finding themselves caught up in serious criminal investigations.

Recent reporting has exposed multiple UK-based websites offering products such as retatrutide, an experimental medication that has not completed clinical trials and is unlawful to sell or supply.

Despite this, some platforms were displaying ratings of 4 stars or more and glowing reviews written in the style of legitimate customer feedback.

For anyone involved – from website operators and commercial sellers to individuals handling distribution, promoting products online or even reselling informally – the legal implications can be extremely serious.

The Illusion of Legitimacy

The online presentation of these products is often highly convincing.

Professional photography, customer testimonials, and polished marketing can make it difficult to distinguish an illegal operator from a regulated medical provider.

Some review platforms even generate automated summaries describing these businesses as “reliable” or “highly rated”, creating a sense of legitimacy that masks the reality: these sellers are trading in unlicensed medical products outside any lawful framework.

However, no number of positive reviews or attractive branding can override UK medicines law.

Where a substance is unlicensed, experimental or mislabelled, those supplying it are potentially committing criminal offences – and enforcement agencies are now treating this as a priority area.

The Legal Reality Behind Illegal Weight-Loss Drugs

Retatrutide, like several other “next generation” weight-loss injections being advertised online, is still undergoing trials.

There are no authorised versions available for public sale. Products found online may be incorrectly dosed, contaminated, manufactured without sterile conditions or contain entirely different substances than advertised.

Selling or supplying these items can amount to offences under the Human Medicines Regulations 2012, consumer protection laws, the Fraud Act and, in some circumstances, the Proceeds of Crime Act.

Investigations may involve MHRA officers, Trading Standards, local police, the National Crime Agency or Border Force.

This is not confined to large-scale manufacturers.

Individuals engaging in seemingly minor roles – forwarding parcels, handling payments, promoting products on social media, or reselling items informally – may also attract scrutiny.

In some cases, customers purchasing in bulk or acting as collection points for others have found themselves approached by investigators.

Where Enforcement Is Increasing

Enforcement agencies have already carried out raids on premises manufacturing counterfeit weight-loss drugs, some of which use sophisticated branding to imitate genuine pharmaceutical products.

At the same time, social media has become a marketplace for “discount” offers on high-risk substances, with coded hashtags and informal sellers presenting themselves as part of a legitimate wellness trend.

Platforms such as TikTok and Trustpilot have begun removing some accounts after investigations highlighted these practices, but this often happens only after illegal sellers have already built a substantial customer base.

This environment makes it all too easy for individuals to become involved in a supply chain without realising the criminal exposure they face.

Potential Criminal Exposure

Depending on the circumstances, allegations could range from unlawful supply of medicinal products and fraud to money laundering and conspiracy offences.

The level of culpability can increase significantly where there is evidence of planning, financial profit, large-scale distribution or risk to public health.

• Those leading or organising supply chains may face immediate custody and confiscation of assets.
• Individuals playing a lesser role—posting parcels, promoting online, managing payments—may still face
  prosecution or cautions depending on their level of involvement.

There can, however, be important mitigation factors, including lack of awareness of the legal position, being exploited or used by others, or ceasing activity promptly.

These distinctions often become central to how an investigation progresses, making early legal advice essential.

Anyone notified of an investigation should seek legal advice immediately.

You should not give interviews or hand over devices or documents before speaking with a solicitor. Statements made early on – particularly without legal representation can have a significant impact on the outcome.

How We Can Help

If you are called for interview or under investigation, or facing any allegations of fraud, our experienced team can provide full legal representation. Call us now on 0161 477 1121 or email us.