Health club proprietor jailed for supplying poisonous ‘fat burners’ in landmark Scottish case

A fitness center proprietor has been jailed for 3 years for supplying a food plan capsule that may be deadly to people.

Jamie George, 32, admitted distributing 2,4-dinitrophenol (DNP), a extremely poisonous industrial chemical that’s usually marketed as a slimming help.

However, it may possibly kill in addition to trigger dangerous unwanted effects equivalent to a number of organ failure, coma and cardiac arrest.

Food Standards Scotland (FSS) stated the conviction for supplying the substance is the primary of its type in Scotland.

George, from Denny in Falkirk, was arrested following a joint investigation between the Scottish Food Crime and Incidents Unit (SFCIU), Police Scotland and Falkirk Council’s environmental well being division.

During the probe, officers recovered 5kg of DNP, 120 stuffed capsules and 10,000 empty capsules.

It is recommended that 1kg of DNP is sufficient to create round 5,000 capsules.

There have been greater than 30 recorded deaths throughout the UK related to DNP consumption, two of these in Scotland.

There is not any antidote, with victims having to endure their signs till they recuperate.

George admitted culpably and recklessly supplying the product between May 2017 and October 2021 at numerous premises, together with at Muscle Hut Falkirk in Camelon.

He was sentenced at Stirling Sheriff Court on Tuesday.

Ron McNaughton, head of the SFCIU, stated: “We welcome today’s sentencing as we know that DNP has tragically been responsible for at least 33 deaths in the UK since 2007 and it remains of critical importance that we continue to highlight the dangers of DNP again and again.

“DNP isn’t protected for human consumption underneath any circumstances.

“If you consume DNP you are very likely to become ill, potentially seriously ill, and there is a real possibility that you could die as a result.

“I can’t be extra clear.”

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Detective Chief Inspector David MacGregor, Forth Valley CID, stated it was important George’s operation was delivered to a halt to stop any additional distress.

He stated: “Jamie George acted recklessly, with out regard for the lives of these he equipped it to. It’s important the general public understands how deadly DNP might be and that is why this conviction is so essential.

“It sets a precedent to anyone who thinks it’s acceptable to break the law and put lives at risk by supplying it. It also underlines our commitment to the country’s Serious Organised Crime Strategy.

“We are dedicated to tackling substance misuse and can proceed to work with associate companies to focus on these concerned within the distribution.

“Anyone with concerns about the supply of DNP, or any other potentially harmful substance, is urged to contact Police Scotland and we will investigate thoroughly.”