Three Men Face Charges After £1 Million Weight Loss Drug Theft in Hertfordshire
Three men have been formally charged following a significant burglary involving weight loss pharmaceuticals valued at approximately £1 million. The incident occurred at the Phoenix Healthcare Distribution facility located on Handley Page Way in Hertfordshire.
Details of the Pharmaceutical Heist and Police Investigation
The theft took place shortly before 6:40 PM on Saturday, January 24, 2026. Law enforcement authorities conducted coordinated raids on multiple residential properties on Wednesday, February 11, leading to the apprehension of the suspects. The three individuals now face serious charges including burglary and acquiring, using, or possessing criminal property.
The accused have been identified as Peter Costello, aged 44, residing on Sydney Road in Sutton; Robert Townsend, aged 58, from Lower Pillory Down in Sutton; and Mark Harding, aged 55, of Chertsey Road in Feltham. All three defendants made their initial court appearance at Hatfield Magistrates' Court on Friday, February 13, where they were remanded in custody pending further legal proceedings.
Court Proceedings and Additional Arrest
The case has been scheduled for a hearing at St Albans Crown Court on Tuesday, March 17. In a related development, a woman in her 40s, also from the Sutton area, was arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender and fraud by false representation. She has been released on bail while police continue their investigations into her alleged involvement.
Police Statement and Public Health Warning
Detective Chief Inspector Tony Fontenelle provided commentary on the successful police operation, stating: "Thanks to diligent work from officers, we have now successfully secured three charges and the case will now progress through the court system."
The detective issued an important public health warning regarding the stolen pharmaceuticals: "I would also like to issue a reminder that these weight loss drugs must be stored correctly and are dangerous if they are not administered in the right way. These, along with other pharmaceutical items, should only be prescribed via a healthcare professional or bought through registered companies."
Fontenelle urged caution among consumers: "I urge anyone who is offered weight-loss products at unusually low prices, or by unfamiliar companies or individuals, to contact the police." This statement highlights concerns about potentially dangerous counterfeit or improperly stored medications entering the market through illicit channels.
The investigation represents a significant law enforcement achievement in combating pharmaceutical theft and underscores the ongoing challenges authorities face in regulating weight loss medications within the broader pharmaceutical distribution network.
