Hundreds of illicit prescription drugs illegally purchased online were seized from the flat of a Norwich man who had become dependent on them, a court has heard.
It comes following the inquest into the death of 43-year-old David Crowe, of Cecil Gowing Court off Cannerby Lane, Sprowston.
Last year, Mr Crowe was found dead inside his property on Sunday, November 20 by Norfolk police who carried out a welfare check following concerns for his safety.
On arrival, officers found "multiple blister packs of medication” inside the flat and close to Mr Crowe’s body.
These included hundreds of prescription medications, including one from a neighbour and two unopened envelopes of tablets.
A statement from Norfolk Constabulary was read out at Norfolk Coroner’s Court at County Hall, Norwich.
It said that evidence taken from Mr Crowe’s phone showed multiple orders of medication from “an online firm" and multiple searches on his web history for different types of medication.
Area coroner for Norfolk, Yvonne Blake, expressed her shock over the ease of obtaining prescription-only drugs online.
She said: "There was quite a large amount of drugs found in his flat, most of which he wasn’t prescribed.
“I have to say, I know that people do order drugs online, but I wasn’t aware that you could get quite that many online."
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The court, held on Thursday, July 27, heard how Mr Crowe became addicted to prescription medications but had sought help with the NHS Wellbeing service and charity, Change Grow Live.
A statement from his sister, Sarah Bluett, said she believed her brother took medications to “zone out”.
“I’m aware David has had a lengthy history of being prescribed opiates and other medications,” she said.
“We, I, my parents, and sister, were all aware that he had issues with medication dependence but none of us were aware of the extent.”
Ms Bluett added: “There were occasions that myself and David had a laugh with each other.
“When he chose to, he had a very dry sense of humour.”
He also enjoyed fishing.
Recording a short narrative conclusion, Ms Blake said: "Mr Crowe died from a drug-related death contributed to by a previously unknown cardiac condition."
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