Coroner orders inquiry into prescription drug death

Police have been asked by a coroner to investigate the illegal distribution of prescription drugs following the death of a woman from an overdose.

Heidi Williams, 55, died in her home in Northamptonshire on 14 December 2024. A post-mortem examination found the cause of death was opiate and Bromazolam toxicity.

In a coroner's prevention of future deaths report, a review of Williams's mobile phone showed she had been ordering a large number of tablets from a number, revealing bank details and links to addresses in Essex.

Essex Police, which had initially refused to investigate, said it was "carrying out an investigation into the illegal distribution of prescription drugs".

Bromazolam has not been approved in the UK but its use is becoming increasingly common among drug users, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

In her report, dated 13 January, North and West Northamptonshire senior coroner Anne Pember said: "In my opinion there is a risk that future deaths could occur unless action is taken."

She said she had asked the Essex force to investigate, and it has until 10 March to respond. Northamptonshire Police has also been sent the report.

The inquest into Williams's death is yet to resume.

The Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) said it seized almost 20 million doses of illegally traded medicines, with a potential street value of nearly £45m, last year.

"Last year's seizures included almost ten million doses of sedatives and sleeping pills, over four million doses of powerful painkillers, and more than four million doses of erectile dysfunction treatments," the government agency said.

Andy Morling, an MHRA deputy director, said: "I would urge everyone to think very carefully before buying powerful medicines online.

"Products sold illegally online may contain harmful substances or the incorrect dosage, and either of these could seriously damage your health."

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