Police Issue Urgent Codeine Warning to Shoppers
Police have issued a public health alert after a shopper in Northampton discovered that a newly purchased box of codeine tablets had been deliberately opened and the contents replaced. Northamptonshire Police are now investigating what they describe as an 'unusual incident' and are urging anyone who has bought similar products to check their packets immediately.
Details of the Tampered Medication
The incident came to light when a vigilant customer found that a box they had just bought had been interfered with. Upon closer inspection, it was discovered that the blister pack inside had been opened. The original tablets, believed to be Nurofen Plus or a similar codeine-based product, had been removed and substituted with different ones.
When the customer returned the suspicious package to the store, staff members became concerned about how it could have happened and promptly contacted the authorities. This discovery has sparked a police investigation to determine if this was an isolated event or part of a wider pattern.
Official Police Statement and Public Appeal
PC Lydia Chamberlain, from the Northampton Neighbourhood Policing Team, provided a statement on the case. "This is an unusual incident whereby the blister pack of tablets inside the box had been opened, the original tablets potentially removed or replaced, and the box somehow put back on the shelf," she said.
The police are explicitly asking anyone who has purchased codeine products from any pharmacy in Northampton over the last few months to examine their packets. They should look for signs that the blister pack has been opened or that incorrect tablets are inside the box.
PC Chamberlain added a direct plea to the public: "If you currently have a box in your cupboard, please do take a look and check."
As part of their ongoing enquiries, the force has confirmed that a 43-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of offences under the Medicines Act. He has been released on bail pending further investigation.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Northamptonshire Police on 101, quoting the reference number 25000692316.
