Man, 43, arrested after Northampton shopper discovers pain relief tablets had been replaced

Police say a shopper recently found that a pack of tablets in a newly purchased box had already been deliberately opened with tablets removed and replaced with different tablets.

When the box was returned to the store, staff were suspicious as to how this had happened and reported it to police.

Officers are now asking anyone who may have had a similar experience to get in touch and are also urging anyone who has bought products containing codeine, e.g. Nurofen Plus, from pharmacies in Northampton over the last few months, to check if the blister pack of tablets is still intact.

PC Lydia Chamberlain, from the Northampton Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: "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.

“We would like to establish if such an incident has happened to anyone else and are asking anyone who has bought codeine products from any Northampton pharmacy, and may have noticed that some or all of the pack of tablets had been opened, or incorrect items in the box, to contact police. If you currently have a box in your cupboard, please do take a look and check."

A 43-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of offences under the Medicines Act and has been released on bail pending further enquiries.

Anyone this has happened to, or anyone with any relevant information, is asked to call Northamptonshire Police on 101 or alternatively call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111, quoting incident number: 25000692316.

Information can also be submitted online at www.northants.police.uk/RO and Giving information | Crimestoppers.