After he sold online ‘diet pulls,’ a dealer was sentenced. He disguised the deadly chemical in question as an industrial chemical for weight loss.
Jack Finney (25), Northwich, Cheshire sold illegally the toxic chemical 2.4 Dinitrophenol (DNP), between June 2017 to July 2020 via the dark internet.
During an investigation, he sold the deadly substance to Americans and Europeans. DNP-containing products also were located at the address.
Finney was sentenced to a 28-month sentence by Chester Crown Court.
DNP is a poisonous substance that can lead to death and other severe side-effects.
Advertisers on the internet have promoted this life-threatening chemical as a great way to lose weight, despite UK laws stating it is a crime to sell it.
Experts have asked for stricter regulations on this drug, which is available online. It has been linked to 33 deaths in the UK.
Jack Finney, 25 (pictured) from Northwich, Cheshire illegally sold the deadly chemical 2.4-Dinitrophenol(DNP) on the dark net between June 2017 to July 2020.
Online ads have promoted DNP, a life-threatening drug, as a “wonder slimming supplement”, despite the fact that it’s a crime to sell it for human use under UK law.
DNP is targeted primarily at bodybuilders, as it has been shown to significantly boost metabolism. But, DNP’s first usage came in the First World War when the French made ammunition with the chemical.
It is yellow-colored and smells like a fungicide.
It can lead to weight loss. However, it has been associated with numerous fatalities in Britain. Experts are now calling for tighter regulation.
In 2018, 31-year-old businessman Bernard Rebelo, from east London, was the first person to be convicted of manslaughter in relation to the sale of DNP pills.
After selling the weight-loss capsules to his clients, Mr Rebelo was made a millionaire. However, he was imprisoned seven years for selling them to Eloise Parry (bulimic student). Eloise later died.
Ms Parry she drove herself to A&E after taking eight pills and becoming unwell. In three hours she was dead.
Sean Cleathero was a bodybuilder who died October 2012 at High Wycombe (Buckinghamshire) after he took DNP.
After being treated for poisoning, he collapsed and later died at his home.
In another high-profile case, 23-year-old Sarah Houston tragically died after the medical student consumed a fatal dose of DNP while studying at Leeds University in 2013.
Reginald Bevan (Deputy Head, National Food Crime Unit) said that he was pleased with today’s sentencing. It sends out a clear message to those who seek to make a profit off the illegal sale and distribution of this dangerous substance.
“We are determined to continue to pursue those who threaten the public and break the law and we will not stop trying to bring them to justice.
“This operation shows how serious the NFCU takes illegal sales of DNP to human consumption in the UK. Through our partnership with other law enforcement agencies in UK and overseas, we can tackle offenders and close sites and disrupt supply routes into and within the UK.
FSA’s NFCU was responsible for the investigation, with support from the UK Border Force and Cheshire Police.
Catherine A. Hermsen (US Food and Drug Administration Assistant Commissioner, Criminal Investigations) stated, “Selling dangerous and unapproved drugs, disguised in dietary supplements can cause serious harm for those who purchase and use the drug.”
“We will continue our collaboration with law enforcement partners in order to bring to justice anyone who is a danger to the public’s safety and health.”
Bulimic student Eloise Parry, 21, she drove herself to A&E after taking eight DNP pills and becoming unwell in 2015. She was gone within three hours.
Sarah Houston, 23, tragically passed away after she took a fatal dose DNP in 2013.
DNP, an industrial chemical is dangerous. It is also not safe to consume and is not recommended for use as a diet aid.
As the FSA supported a consultation by the Home Office on last week’s proposed amendments to the Poisons Act 1972 control measures, the outcome of this case is now known.
This consultation is for businesses that supply chemicals, online markets which facilitate chemical supply through their marketplaces, and the general public who are interested in chemical products and chemicals in their hobby in England, Scotland, and Wales.