Illegal veterinary medicines seized

Medicines Enforcement Officers have seized substantial quantities of unauthorised and illegal veterinary medicines from a residential property in Ballymena.
~ Wednesday, 2 November 2011

The drugs haul, worth several thousand pounds, included veterinary antibiotics and other veterinary medicines intended for the treatment of large numbers of farm animals.

Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety (DHSSPS) Medicines Regulatory Group (MRG) Officers supported by the PSNI conducted the search.

A Ballymena man was formally interviewed by MRG and the case will be reported to the Public Prosecution Service (PPS).

Head of the Medicines Regulatory Group, Prof Mike Mawhinney said: “This seizure is evidence of our determination to clampdown on the availability of illegal veterinary medicines. Incorrect use of medication of unknown origin or dubious quality compromises animal health, increases the risk of harmful residues in the food chain and raises the problem of unnecessary antibiotic resistance.

“The Department has made it very clear that it will not tolerate the supply of illegal veterinary medicines and this operation clearly demonstrates our determination to stop this kind of activity which can pose a real risk to the general public.”

Senior Medicines Enforcement Officer Peter Moore said: “This has been another opportunity for regulators to ensure illegal drugs are taken out of general circulation and an illegal supply source closed. A Ballymena man will be reported to the PPS for the possession and intended supply of the illegal, unauthorised veterinary products seized.

“Those involved in animal health who regularly use veterinary medicines are reminded that they should only source them from legal and reputable suppliers. To be imported, possessed and sold for use in the UK all veterinary medicines must be authorised to ensure they are safe and effective, and many must be prescribed by a veterinary surgeon. Even where medicines are authorized they must be distributed and sold through licensed outlets where trained staff are available to provide the necessary advice on safe use. Our advice is clear – don’t be tempted to bypass the regulated system.

“We thank the public for their continuing support and would appeal to them to continue to report any suspicious activity to us.”

Notes to editors:

1. In the UK, the body responsible for granting Marketing Authorisations for veterinary medicines is the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD). Products with a bona fide Marketing Authorisation are given unique numbers preceded by the letter “VM”. Therefore if a product does not have a VM number on its label it has not been authorised. A VM issued in respect of a legitimate product provides assurance to the user on the safety, quality and efficacy of the product.

2. It is the responsibility of the DHSSPS to enforce the provisions of the Veterinary Medicines Regulations 2011 in Northern Ireland.

3. To report any suspicious activity in relation to the supply of any unauthorised or counterfeit medicines, please contact Peter Moore, Senior Medicines Enforcement Officer, DHSSPS Medicines Regulatory Group, on: 028 90522335 or by email: peter.moore@dhsspsni.gov.uk

4. Media enquiries to the DHSSPS Press Office on 028 9052 2841. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Office via pager number on 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.