Barbra Carter, Criminal Enforcement “Always strive to find out the truth”
Published 8 March 2023
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Written by Barbra Carter, Senior Criminal Enforcement Officer at MHRA
My role at the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) is to tackle the most serious criminal threats to the public from the illegal sale and supply of medicines and medical devices. I’ve worked in enforcement at the MHRA since 2001.
For me, the best thing about working in STEM is being able to contribute to society and the protection of public health.
I have several cases that I investigate simultaneously. I prioritise which of my cases poses the biggest threat to public health and address the case accordingly. My daily duties range from gathering intelligence, requesting test purchases, and obtaining entry warrants in court, to taking witness statements, interviewing suspects, and seizing evidence. I handle the full lifecycle of cases - from identifying and investigating, collating evidence, right through to taking them to court - so I also prepare prosecution files and give evidence in court.
Recently, I’ve been working on a prosecution case named R V BANKS, who was accused of selling prescription-only medicines and Class C drugs (Diazepam, Zopiclone and Zolpidem) to members of the public over the internet. This case was in the court process and I had to liaise with the Crown Prosecution Service, barristers, civilian witnesses and MHRA witnesses as the suspect had pleaded not guilty.
The case was scheduled for a week-long trial in January 2022. It was a challenging week as I had to prepare the MHRA witnesses and civilian witnesses to give evidence, as well as give evidence myself. I had to make decisions and direct matters in the case, alongside the Prosecution Barrister. I prepared the witnesses for their testimonies by offering them advice, being supportive through the process, and explaining to them what is expected and how best they can achieve a positive result. After a week-long trial, the defendant was found guilty on all charges.
It makes me very proud to be part of convictions of criminals who have breached the Human Medicines Regulations 2012. My career in STEM also allows me to continue learning, and another one of my proudest achievements is attaining a Diploma in Leadership and Management with distinction.
My advice to young girls aspiring to follow a similar career path in STEM - always strive to find out the truth, and keep an open, objective mind.